Transfusion of leukocyte-depleted RBCs is independently associated with increased morbidity after pediatric cardiac surgery.

Objective: To test the hypothesis that transfusion of leukocyte-depleted RBC preparations within the first 48 hours of PICU stay was independently associated with prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation, irrespective of surgery type and disease severity.

Design: Retrospective, observational study.

Setting: Single-center PICU in The Netherlands.