Neonatal Med.  2014 May;21(2):92-98. 10.5385/nm.2014.21.2.92.

Optimal Hemoglobin Level in Preterm Infants

• Kim SS

• KMID: 2052154
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.5385/nm.2014.21.2.92

Abstract

Anemia is a common condition in preterm infants. Packed red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is used for the management of anemia; however, evidence on the benefits of this treatment is limited. RBC transfusion in preterm infants is associated with necrotizing enterocolitis, severe intraventricular hemorrhage, retinopathy of prematurity, transfer of infectious agents, and negative neurodevelopmental outcome. Whether the benefits outweigh the risks of RBC transfusion is controversial, and guidelines on transfusion that are based on expert opinions are unclear. Clinical signs such as apnea, tachycardia, frequent desaturation, poor weight gain, and increasing oxygen requirement and postnatal age are the factors are included in the decision to perform RBC transfusion. To date, the optimal timing and threshold hemoglobin level for administering treatment have not been established. The purpose of this review is to summarize the current transfusion guidelines.

Keyword

Infant premature; Anemia; Erythrocyte transfusion; Hemoglobins

MeSH Terms

Anemia
Apnea
Enterocolitis, Necrotizing
Erythrocyte Transfusion
Erythrocytes
Expert Testimony
Hemorrhage
Humans
Infant, Newborn
Infant, Premature*
Oxygen
Retinopathy of Prematurity
Tachycardia
Weight Gain
Oxygen