Supplementary Material for: Transfusion practices in 12 Neonatal Networks – Are we closer to adopting a restrictive transfusion approach?

Background: Recent evidence suggests a restrictive approach towards blood transfusions for management of preterm infants. Objective: To survey blood transfusion practises in preterm neonates 8 days was a hematocrit ≤30% in 68% of NICU’s. For stable infants on non-invasive ventilation, the transfusion threshold was a hematocrit ≤30% in 80%, and in those without respiratory support, a hematocrit of ≤25% in 68% of NICU’s. Conclusions: Variations exist in blood transfusion practises between countries and within networks. A restrictive transfusion approach based on recent recommendations has been adopted by more than two-thirds of NICU’s. Additional research is needed to evaluate whether practices align with intentions and how they impact outcomes.