ANALYSIS OF A LINEAR PERISTALTIC INFUSION DEVICE FOR THE TRANSFUSION OF RED-CELLS TO PEDIATRIC-PATIENTS

A linear peristaltic infusion device was evaluated for red cell (RBC) transfusion in the pediatric and neonatal setting. CPDA-1 RBC units (n = 24) divided into six groups of 4 units each underwent simulated tra nsfusion. Blood was infused by using manufacturer-provided administrat ion sets with either a 21-gauge needle or a 24-gauge catheter. Filters were used in two groups to evaluate the effect of negative pressure o n filter function. Two groups of RBCs less than 1 week old were washed , irradiated, and infused at 5 mL per hour, by using a standard admini stration set, or at 10 mL per hour, by using a syringe set. Four-week- old RBCs (washed and irradiated, irradiated and filtered, filtered onl y, or unmanipulated) were infused at 100 mL per hour. Paired samples f rom 0 and 2 hours before and after infusion were analyzed for hemoglob in, hematocrit, RBC count, plasma hemoglobin, lactate dehydrogenase, p otassium, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase. Ha usser and Nageotte hemacytometers were used to perform white cell (WBC ) counts when a filter was used. By analysis of variance and percentag e of change, data from 0 and 2 hours before and after infusion were co mpared. No clinically or statistically significant differences were se en for hemoglobin, hematocrit, or RBC count. The difference in preinfu sion and postinfusion plasma hemoglobin levels in washed RBCs at 2 hou rs was statistically but not clinically significant (14.5 +/- 6.8 vs. 19.3 +/- 7.1 mg/dL). No clinically significant differences were noted for the remaining analytes. In filtered RBCs at 2 hours, the WBC remov al was 3.08 +/- 0.28 log10, which resulted in fewer than 2 x 10(6) WBC s per unit. The linear peristaltic infusion device is suitable for use in a pediatric setting.