© Quirin Leppert

Most preterm babies admitted to a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) receive blood transfusions. Some neonates, however, receive blood transfusions even though these transfusions may not be necessary, cause side effects or even harm. Therefore, the International Neonatal tranSfusion PoInt pREvalence study (INSPIRE) aims to describe the current state and indications for blood transfusions among preterm babies in Europe.

Although most preterm babies receive blood transfusions in the NICU, there are no international guidelines that have been incorporated into clinical practice, and there is significant variation in blood transfusion practice within Europe. Additionally, high-quality data on neonatal transfusion practice in Europe is lacking. The INSPIRE-study will describe current neonatal transfusion practices within Europe. These results will help to improve practice, develop future clinical studies, and inform guideline writing. Additionally, the results may help to reduce unnecessary transfusions through increased awareness of the proper use of transfusions in this vulnerable patient group.

In collaboration with the Neonatal Transfusion Network (NTN), EFCNI coordinates an international parental advisory board (PAB). The PAB is chaired by EFCNI and meets on a regular basis throughout the duration of the project. Furthermore, EFCNI gives advice and provides input on topics related to ethics and patient information throughout the project.

Ongoing updates on the project can also be found on our project page.