Association of Red Blood Cell Transfusion Volume with Postoperative Complications and Mortality in Neonatal Surgery

This retrospective study of nearly 10,000 neonatal surgical patients found that red blood cell transfusion volume shows a dose-dependent association with increased postoperative complications and mortality, with a critical threshold identified at 30-35 cc/kg. The findings suggest clinicians should carefully weigh transfusion decisions in neonatal surgery given the correlation between higher volumes and adverse outcomes including renal, CNS, and cardiovascular complications.