PaEdiatric TRAnsfusion practices in PICU in UK (PETRA-UK study)
Research type
Research Study
Full title
PaEdiatric TRAnsfusion practices in PICU in UK (E-PETRA-UK study)
IRAS ID
317209
Contact name
Simon Stanworth
Contact email
Sponsor organisation
NHSBT
Duration of Study in the UK
1 years, 1 months, 1 days
Research summary
Nearly 20000 children are admitted to Paediatric Intensive Care Units (PICU) in the UK each year with critical illness or following major complex surgery. Red blood cell transfusions are commonly used to improve transport of oxygen to cells. Other blood components such as platelets and plasma are transfused to help stop bleeding.
However, transfusions carry known risks, e.g. reactions to the blood components, as well as potential for harm, e.g. by increasing inflammation. Limited evidence is available in children to guide thresholds for transfusion in PICU, and most recommendations are based on expert consensus. International guidelines based on these have recently been published for platelet and red cell transfusions.
This study aims to collect observational data across multiple UK PICUs over four seven day periods regarding all transfusions given to children on PICU. Data will be collected for each blood component transfusion given, along with the reason for transfusion, blood markers and support needed at the time of transfusion and any adverse effects following. Patient level data will be collected about outcomes (e.g. survival to discharge and organ function).
There is no active intervention in this study. All blood product transfusions will be at the discretion of the clinicians involved in the child's care. No additional testing over and above what would normally be undertaken for a critically ill child receiving a transfusion will be required.
All patient identifiable data collected will be removed before sharing, rendering the data non-identifiable. Data will be analysed to gain an understanding of current transfusion practice, and inform future research to address uncertainty and knowledge gaps.
REC name
South Central - Berkshire B Research Ethics Committee
REC reference
22/SC/0441
Date of REC Opinion
25 Nov 2022
REC opinion
Further Information Favourable Opinion