Intra- and Postoperative Blood Loss and Transfusion Requirements in Children Undergoing Craniofacial Surgery

Pediatric craniosynostosis (CS) surgery is frequently associated with extensive blood loss and transfusion requirements. The aim of the study was to evaluate the authors' institutional procedure with 2-surgeon approach and early transfusion strategy on blood loss and blood product transfusions in children undergoing craniofacial surgery. A retrospective analysis of medical records was performed of pediatric CS corrections during a 15-year period. Primary endpoint was blood loss and transfusion requirement during and the following 24 hours postoperatively. Linear regression analyses were performed of associations between intra and-postoperative blood loss and blood loss and weight. A total of 276 children (median 9 months) were included. Intraoperative blood loss was 22 mL/kg (14-33 mL/kg) and post-operatively 27 mL/kg (18-37 mL/kg), with no change during the study period. Intraoperative transfusions of red blood cell and plasma were 16 mL/kg (10-24 mL/kg) and postoperative 14 mL/kg (9-21 mL/kg). Postoperative red blood cell and plasma transfusions were 2 mL/kg (0-6 mL/kg) and of 0 mL/kg, respectively. Craniosynostosis type was related to blood loss (P< 0.001). There was an association between intraoperative and postoperative blood loss (P = 0.012) and intra-and postoperative blood loss and weight (P = 0.002, P = < 0.001). Duration of surgery was 110 minutes (range 60-300 minutes). Pediatric CS surgery is associated with substantial intra-and postoperative blood loss and transfusion requirements, which did not change over a 15-year period. Blood loss was associated with type of CS. Intraoperative blood loss was correlated to postoperative blood loss and body weight.