Understanding the Impact of Blood Transfusions on Preterm Infants’ Health

Tissue Oxygenation Changes After Transfusion and Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Secondary Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study of the Transfusion of Prematures Randomized Clinical Trial (TOP NIRS)

This study investigates the effects of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions on preterm infants, focusing on tissue oxygen saturation responses. Conducted as a subset of the Transfusion of Prematures (TOP) trial, the research explores whether transfusions influence cerebral and mesenteric tissue saturation. Findings reveal a significant increase in cerebral and mesenteric saturation after transfusion, emphasizing potential benefits. However, lower pretransfusion cerebral saturation may be linked to adverse outcomes. The study highlights the need for targeted tissue saturation monitoring in anemic preterm infants and suggests associations between transfusion parameters and long-term health outcomes.

Chock VY, Kirpalani H, Bell EF, et al. Tissue Oxygenation Changes After Transfusion and Outcomes in Preterm Infants: A Secondary Near-Infrared Spectroscopy Study of the Transfusion of Prematures Randomized Clinical Trial (TOP NIRS). JAMA Netw Open. 2023;6(9):e2334889.

https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jamanetworkopen/fullarticle/2809782