Study of the Effect of Differing Platelet Transfusion Times in Neonates

To evaluate changes in platelet counts and hemodynamics between "rapid" and "long" platelet infusion groups.

It is our hypothesis that the change in post-transfusion platelet counts of babies who receive platelets over 30 minutes (short transfusion group) will be significantly different from the change in babies who receive platelets over two hours (long transfusion group) when platelets are checked immediately after transfusion and 6 hours after the completion of transfusion. We also expect there to be significant differences in the platelet counts drawn thirty minutes after transfusion compared to the counts drawn 6 hours after the completion of the transfusion in either group.

This group of thrombocytopenic neonates who (as determined by the attending physician) are in need of a platelet transfusion will receive the transfusion over a period of two hours.

This group of thrombocytopenic neonates who (as determined by the attending physician) are in need of a platelet transfusion will receive the transfusion over a period of 30 minutes.

15cc/kg of non-centrifuged, non-refrigerated, leukoreduced, AB-negative pheresis platelets administered over 30 minutes

15cc/kg of non-centrifuged, non-refrigerated, leukoreduced, AB-negative pheresis platelets given over two hours.

The difference between the baseline platelet count and the platelet count taken 30 minutes after completion of the transfusion.

The difference between the baseline platelet count and the platelet count taken 6 hours after completion of the transfusion.

Inclusion Criteria: Infants with significant thrombocytopenia requiring a transfusion of platelets. Exclusion Criteria: Infants requiring extracorporeal membranous oxygenation. Infants with congenital heart disease (other than patent foramen ovale or patent ductus arteriosus). Babies diagnosed with neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia.

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