Red blood cell transfusions in newborn infants through peripherally inserted central catheter: an integrative review

Objective: this study aimed to identify in literature the implications related to red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, through Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, in neonates. Methods: this is an integrative review conducted in the Web of Science, Scopus, Virtual Health Library, and PubMed databases. Publications in English, Spanish and Portuguese, available in full, without date limit, were included. Results: four (100.0%) studies that addressed hemolysis of RBCs were selected, of which two (50.0%) also addressed catheter obstruction during transfusion. Studies revealed the occurrence of hemolysis related to infusion rate and storage time of RBCs, however without clinical relevance. Regarding obstruction, it was verified in only one catheter out of 38 followed-up in a study; in the other, there was no obstruction and transfusions were considered technically feasible. Conclusion: there is urgent need for primary clinical studies to assess clinical consequences of red blood cell transfusions through this type of catheter in neonates.