Abstract

CORREIA, Cátia Rodrigues; PARREIRA, Lénise; AGUIAR, Marta  and  TUNA, Madalena Lopo. Red blood cell transfusion in Very Low Birth Weight Infants and/or infants less than 32 weeks of Gestational Age: 4 years experience in a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Nascer e Crescer [online]. 2016, vol.25, n.2, pp.77-82. ISSN 0872-0754.

Introduction: Anemia is a common problem in preterm infants; red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is the most quick and efficient treatment. The aim of this study was the evaluation of the 2004 National Neonatal Guidelines application in the neonatal intensive care unit and the evaluation of morbidity of transfused or non-transfused preterm. Materials and  Methods:  Retrospective  chart  review  of preterm infants with birth weight (BW) ≤1500 g and/or gestational age (GA) ≤32 weeks admitted in NICU between January 2010 and December 2013. Patients were divided into two groups according to RBC transfusions (transfusion group and non-transfusion group). BW, GA, gender and Apgar score <7 at 1st and 5th minutes were analyzed. Morbidity indicators included bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), sépsis, persistence of ductus arteriosus (PDA), necrotizing enterocolitis, peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH), periventricular leukomalacia (PVL) and retinopathy of prematurity. Results: 160 infants were enrolled in the study: 88 in the transfusion group and 72 in the non-transfusion group. In the transfusion group, GA and BW were lower and length of stay in hospital was higher. RBC transfusions were prescribed for higher haemoglobin levels in neonates in invasive ventilation and with less days of life. BPD, sépsis, PDA, PVL and PIVH were more common in the transfusion group. Discussion and Conclusion: RBC transfusions were more frequently used in preterm infants with lower GA and BW. Transfusion criteria applied were consistent with National Neonatal Guidelines in 2004. The transfused preterm infants had higher morbidity.

Keywords : anemia; erythrocyte transfusion; premature.

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