Evidence · Systematic review or meta-analysis
Anemia and Red Blood Cell Transfusions, Cerebral Oxygenation, Brain Injury and Development, and Neurodevelopmental Outcome in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review.
- Blood products
- Haematology and oncology
- Medical
- Neurology
- Nursing
Summary
A systematic review of studies from 2000-2020 examining how anaemia and red blood cell transfusions during neonatal intensive care relate to cerebral oxygenation measured by near-infrared spectroscopy, brain injury and development, and longer-term neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. It reports that anaemia reduces oxygen-carrying capacity and adds to cerebral hypoxic burden, while transfusion increases cerebral oxygenation, yet restrictive transfusion strategies were associated with better long-term neurodevelopment. The authors argue for individualised transfusion decisions informed by cerebral tissue oxygen saturation monitoring, with further research needed. Relevant to PICU staff mainly as background on transfusion thresholds and neuromonitoring in the neonatal population.
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- Licence:
- Open (Creative Commons)
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