Part II: Blood Transfusion and Donor Exposure in the Surgical Management of Trigonocephaly Patients: A Protocol From Alder Hey Craniofacial Unit

Abstract

Trigonocephaly is a craniofacial malformation caused by premature fusion of the metopic suture. Surgical correction frequently results in the need for blood transfusion. Transfusion complications include transfusion-transmitted infections (TTIs), immune-mediated reactions, and volume overload. Donor exposure (DE) describes the number of blood products from unique donors with increasing DE equating to an increased risk of TTI. We evaluate data on 204 trigonocephaly patients covering 20 years of practice with respect to blood transfusions and DE. This represents the largest series from a single unit to date. A protocol based on our experiences has been devised that summarizes the key interventions we recommend to minimize blood transfusions and DE in craniofacial surgery. Patients operated on between 2000 and 2020 were included. DE and a range of values were calculated including estimated red cell loss (ERCL) and estimated red cell volume transfused (ERCVT). Groups were established by relevant interventions and compared using the Mann–Whitney U test. Mean DE fell from 1.46 at baseline to 0.85 (P<0.05). Median allogenic transfusion volume fell from 350 mL at baseline to 250 mL (P<0.05). Median ERCL fell from 15.05 mL/kg at baseline to 12.39 mL/kg and median ERCVT fell from 20.85 to 15.98 mL/kg. Changes in ERCL and ERCVT did not reach statistical significance. DE can be minimized with the introduction of key interventions such as a restrictive transfusion policy, preoperative iron, cell saver, tranexamic acid, and use of a matchstick burr for osteotomies.