Table 2 Blood transfusion guidelines used by clinicians in the FEAST trial

WHO Pocket Book of Hospital Care for Children (2005)*

4 or less

Not required

20 mL/kg whole blood or 10 mL/kg packed cells over 3 to 4 hours

OR

6 or less

PLUS 1 or more

Deep and laboured breathing

Cardiac failure

Clinical dehydration

Shock

Impaired consciousness

Malaria parasitaemia >10%

Kenya Guidelines for Appropriate Use of Blood and Blood Products (2004)*

Less than 4

Not required

20 mL/kg whole blood over 3 to 4 hours

OR

Less than 5

PLUS

Respiratory distress

Ugandan National Guidelines (2010)*

4 or less

Not required

20 mL/kg whole blood or 10 mL/kg packed cells over 3 to 4 hours

OR

6 or less

PLUS 1 or more

Hypoxia

Cardiac decompensation

Acidosis

Impaired consciousness

Cerebral malaria

Septicaemia

Meningitis

Malaria parasitaemia >20%

Tanzania National Malaria Guidelines (2006)*

4 or less

Not required

20 mL/kg whole blood or 10 mL/kg packed cells over 3 to 4 hours

OR

6 or less

PLUS

Cardiac failure