The Efficacy of Erythrocyte Transfusion in Very Low Birth Weight Infants with Premature Anemia
- 17 January 2023
- journal article
- Published by Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease in Turkish Journal of Pediatric Disease
Abstract
Objective: This study aimed to determine the clinical efficacy of erythrocyte transfusion (ET) in premature infants. Material and Methods: Very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with gestational age (GA) < 32 weeks and/or birth weight (BW) <1500 g and hospitalized in neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) between 2012-2018 were retrospectively evaluated. ET was performed according to Ohls 2007 and Turkish Neonatalogy Society Blood Products Transfusion Guidelines. Results: 72 infants included in this study. Mean BW was 1325 g (680-2290 g), GA was 30 weeks (25-32), median postnatal age was 36.7±26.9 days (8-129), number of ET during hospitalization was 2±1.2 (1-6). There were no significant changes in mean heart rates (p=0.183) and median respiratory rates before and after ET (p=0.123). Weight gain (16 g/day-11 g/day) was statistically similar before and after ET (p=0.861). A significant decrease in apnea, non-invasive ventilation (NIV) and caffeine therapy requirements after ET was determined (p<0.001, p=0.016 and p=0.016). Serum lactate (2.9-1.5) levels were decreased by ET (p=0.017). Conclusion: Premature infants should closely follow-up for anemia and related symptoms during NICU stay. ET may help to decrease frequency of apnea of prematurity, requirements of caffeine therapy and NIV. ET improves tissue oxygenation in VLBW infants with anemia. Decision of ET should be made according to severity of symptoms, and should be performed according to international, national or local transfusion guidelines.Keywords
This publication has 36 references indexed in Scilit:
- Oral versus intravenous ibuprofen for patent ductus arteriosus closure: a randomised controlled trial in extremely low birthweight infantsArchives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal & Neonatal, 2011
- Epidemiology of Apnea and Bradycardia Resolution in Premature InfantsPEDIATRICS, 2011
- A very strict guideline reduces the number of erythrocyte transfusions in preterm infantsVox Sanguinis, 2008
- Transfusions in the Preterm InfantNeoReviews, 2007
- Effect of blood transfusions on cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infantsActa Paediatrica, 2002
- Myocardial, erythropoitic, and metabolic adaptations to anemia of prematurityThe Journal of Pediatrics, 1994
- Effects of red cell transfusion on cardiac output and blood flow velocities in cerebral and gastrointestinal arteries in premature infants.Archives of Disease in Childhood: Fetal & Neonatal, 1994
- Empiric red cell transfusion in asymptomatic preterm infantsActa Paediatrica, 1993
- Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis: Pathogenesis, classification, and spectrum of illnessCurrent Problems in Pediatrics, 1987
- Relationship of cerebral intraventricular hemorrhage and early childhood neurologic handicapsThe Journal of Pediatrics, 1983