C W Yu1, R Y Sung, T F Fok, E M Wong. 1. Department of Paediatrics, Prince of Wales Hosptial, Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of red blood cell transfusion on haemodynamics in preterm babies. SETTING: A neonatal unit in a University Hospital. PATIENTS: Preterm babies whose postnatal age was less than four weeks and who required red blood cell transfusion. MEASUREMENT: Cardiac output and left ventricular systolic function was determined using Doppler echocardiography before, one hour and 24 h after red blood cell transfusion. Blood pressure and haematocrit were also recorded at the same time. Mixed-effects regression model was used to analyse the effect of blood transfusion on left ventricular function and cardiac output. RESULTS: 57 preterm babies were recruited. Univariate analysis showed that cardiac index decreased significantly 24 h after transfusion (P<0.05). Systemic red cell transport increased by an average of 11.1% 24 h after transfusion (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the cardiac index was negatively associated with haematocrit and the index was higher in male babies. CONCLUSION: There was a significant drop in cardiac index and an increase in systemic red cell transport 24 h after transfusion in premature babies.
OBJECTIVE: To investigate the acute effects of red blood cell transfusion on haemodynamics in preterm babies. SETTING: A neonatal unit in a University Hospital. PATIENTS: Preterm babies whose postnatal age was less than four weeks and who required red blood cell transfusion. MEASUREMENT: Cardiac output and left ventricular systolic function was determined using Doppler echocardiography before, one hour and 24 h after red blood cell transfusion. Blood pressure and haematocrit were also recorded at the same time. Mixed-effects regression model was used to analyse the effect of blood transfusion on left ventricular function and cardiac output. RESULTS: 57 preterm babies were recruited. Univariate analysis showed that cardiac index decreased significantly 24 h after transfusion (P<0.05). Systemic red cell transport increased by an average of 11.1% 24 h after transfusion (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the cardiac index was negatively associated with haematocrit and the index was higher in male babies. CONCLUSION: There was a significant drop in cardiac index and an increase in systemic red cell transport 24 h after transfusion in premature babies.