Massive blood transfusion in choroid plexus tumor surgery: 10-years' experience

Abstract Study Objective To describe our 10 years of experience with childhood choroid plexus tumors (CPTs). Design Retrospective chart analysis. Setting Operating room and pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) of a university hospital. Patients 18 infants and children undergoing CPT surgery from 1995 to 2004, 11 of whom were younger than 12 months. Measurements Perioperative hematologic and coagulation data were measured as well as estimated red cell volume variations (as a reliable index of blood loss) in the perioperative period, together with coagulation parameters. Results Greater blood loss was recorded in the infant group vs older children (percentage of estimated red cell volume loss, 1.31 ± 1.79% vs 0.20 ± 0.17% [ P < 0.01] and 1.50 ± 1.86% vs 0.29 ± 0.21% [ P < 0.01] on PICU admission and after 72 hours, respectively). Platelet count decrease was similarly noted (51.60 ± 28.06 vs 27.57 ± 11.98, P < 0.05, as percentage of preoperative count). Patients operated on in the neonatal period showed the highest blood loss and related coagulation impairment. Conclusion Younger CPT surgery patients present an increased risk versus their older counterparts of massive bleeding resulting in hemodynamic instability and coagulative impairment.