Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-11-2026

Identifier

DOI: 10.3390/children13010104; PMCID: PMC12839847

Abstract

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of critical illness and mortality in children. Transfusion of blood products, a common intervention in the management of pediatric TBI, has important implications for related principles, including trauma-induced coagulopathy, cerebral perfusion, and cerebral oxygen delivery. Knowledge gaps persist due to the limited availability of pediatric-specific data regarding blood product transfusion in TBI. In particular, there is a lack of prospective studies defining appropriate specific laboratory thresholds and transfusion targets, as well as insufficient evidence to guide the weighing of potential benefits against transfusion-related risks in this population. Although blood product transfusion in pediatric TBI has been associated with worse clinical outcomes, the underlying mechanisms and contributing factors remain poorly understood. In this review, we aimed to describe the pediatric literature on component and whole blood product transfusion in children with TBI and the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying the development of coagulopathy in this population. In addition, we incorporated available pediatric guidelines and recommendations specific to the setting of acute brain injury.

Journal Title

Children (Basel)

Volume

13

Issue

1

PubMed ID

41597112

Keywords

blood transfusion; pediatric; traumatic brain injury

Comments

This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons Attribution (CC BY) license.

Publisher's Link: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9067/13/1/104

Download

Share

COinS