Article Text
Abstract
Introduction
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In the 1940’s, exchange transfusion (ExT) was introduced to help decrease the morbidity and mortality associated with haemolytic disease of the newborn (HDN) and prevent kernicterus.
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ExT was subsequently applied to other causes of neonatal hyperbiliribinaemia, severe neonatal anaemia from a variety of causes, some non-immune hydrops cases, Neonatal metabolic conditions such as hyperammonaemia, severe hyperkalaemia and neonatal haemochromatosis.
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In the 1970’s when ExT was exclusively used for the management of HDN, Lucey et al, predicted a decrease in frequency of this procedure for HDN in future.
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Complications were estimated to increase due to the lack or decreased frequency of ExT with time.
Objectives To determine.
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Number of ET done over a 6 yr period.
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Patients demographics, time of ExT, Indications.
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Number of Babies who have had Inutero ExT.
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Maternal details: Blood group, antibodies.
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The level of bilirubin at which transfusion took place.
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Prior treatment pre-ExT: In-utero Tx, Intravenous Immunoglobulin (IVIG) use; use of albumin infusion.
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The ExT-related complications: Any complication not present prior to the ET which occurred within 48 hrs after the ET: Defined as follows- platelet count <150, hypocalaemia, ionised Calcium <0.8, fits, raised INR.
Methods
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Setting: Level 3 NICU.
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Retrospective notes review of patients who underwent ExT.
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January 2008–March 2014 (6.25 yrs).
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Exclusion criteria: Those for which notes were not obtained.
Results
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Total admissions to the NICU over the period = 5,000.
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Number of exchange transfusions done= 15 in 14 patients.
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0.3% of admissions over the period.
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Table of cases.
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Total number of request made to the Blood transfusion department for blood product for exchange.
Conclusion
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Average ExT/yr in a Level 3 NICU = 2.4/yr.
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ExT is currently being used for a variety of causes.
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There were no complications related to the procedure itself.
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Complications post-ExT were all biochemical (hypocalcaemia- in 13 cases) or haematologic (low platelets 13 cases)
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Use of IVIG: Given pre-Ext to all ABO, Rh cases except 2 and to the Non-immune hydrops secondary to Parvovirus.
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1st documented case of ExT use in hyperbilirubinaemia secondary to accidental Hyperlipidaemia from TPN-Lipid infusion and Haemolysis with Anaemia post-Octenisan wash treatment for MRSA-colonisation treatment in a preterm baby.