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Overview :
Meert et al identified risk factors for blood transfusion in
pediatric patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery. These can help identify a
patient who may benefit from steps to reduce blood loss during surgery. The
authors are the Children's Hospital of Michigan and Wayne State University in
Detroit.
Age range: 1 to 20 years
Parameters:
(1) neuromuscular disease
(2) extent of spinal fusion
(3) body weight
|
Parameter |
Finding |
Points |
|
neuromuscular disease |
absent |
0 |
|
|
present |
1 |
|
number of vertebrae fused |
few |
0 |
|
|
multiple |
1 |
|
body weight |
intermediate to high |
0 |
|
|
low |
1 |
where:
• Low body weight may be due to younger age or being
underweight for age.
number of risk factors for blood transfusion =
= SUM(points for all 3 parameters)
Interpretation:
• minimum number of risk factors: 0
• maximum number of risk factors: 3
• The risk
of requiring a blood transfusion increases with the number of risk factors
present.
•
Autologous blood can be collected preoperatively, but many of the patients at
risk are poor candidates for this practice.
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