Cryoprecipitate utilization in the neonatal intensive care unit: a single-center review

Significant variability exists in the indications for and dosing of cryoprecipitate transfusions. We examined cryoprecipitate transfusions in neonates with a focus on indications, dosing, and the incidence of multi-donor exposure.

In this retrospective study, cryoprecipitate transfusions administered in a single neonatal intensive care unit from January 2022 to December 2024 were reviewed. Patient characteristics, diagnoses, laboratory values, and transfusion details were collected.

In total, 50 patients received 104 cryoprecipitate transfusions. The median pre-transfusion fibrinogen level was 100 mg/dL (range 15–586), the median dose was 5.9 mL/kg (range 2.1–16.2), and the median increase in fibrinogen was 115 mg/dL (range –5 to 513). Based on the volume administered, 30% of transfusions likely resulted in multi-donor exposure, with no significant difference in the post-transfusion fibrinogen level achieved.

Significant variation in cryoprecipitate transfusion practices exist, even within a single center. Increasing the weight-based dose of transfusion increases multi-donor exposure without significant clinical benefit.