Predictors for blood loss in pediatric patients younger than 10 years old undergoing primary posterior hemivertebra resection: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND: Blood loss during hemivertebra resection may be substantial. Few studies have examined the risk factors of blood loss undergoing hemivertebra resection, especially those in patients under 10 years old. METHODS: Patients under 10 years old diagnosed with congenital scoliosis and hemivertebra were retrospectively included from January 2014 to October 2017. They all had primary posterior hemivertebra resection at Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Perioperative information was collected and multivariable linear logistic regression was performed to determine the independent risk factors of blood loss. RESULTS: One hundred three patients were included. The mean total blood loss was 346 + 178 ml. The percentage of total blood loss to the EBV was 27.0 + 13.3%. Multivariable linear logistic regression indicated that preoperative total Cobb angle (P = 0.046) and the number of fused levels (P < 0.001) were independent risk factors of total blood loss. Preoperative platelet count and preoperative coagulation function were not associated with blood loss in patients undergoing hemivertebra resection. CONCLUSIONS: Preoperative total Cobb angle and the number of fused levels determined the blood loss for patients undergoing hemivertebra resection.