摘要：Background :Red blood cell (RBC) transfusion is known to improve cardiorespiratory status by increasing circulating hemoglobin, improving tissue oxygenation, and reducing cardiac output in preterm infants. However, RBC transfusion itself has also been suggested as an independent factor that negatively affects short-term outcomes such as intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in premature infants. Purpose :This study aimed to analyze the relationship between RBC transfusion and short-term outcomes in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants (birth weight <1,500 g). Methods :We retrospectively reviewed medical records of VLBW infants who had been admitted to Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital between October 2010 and December 2017. Infants who died during the hospitalization were excluded. The selected infants were divided into two groups according to RBC transfusion status. We investigated the relationship between RBC transfusion and short-term outcomes including BPD, ROP, NEC, IVH. Results :250 VLBW infants were enrolled and 109 (43.6%) infants were transfused. Univariate analysis revealed that all short-term outcomes except early onset sepsis and patent ductus arteriosus were associated with RBC transfusion. In multivariate analysis adjusting for gestational age, birth weight and Apgar score at 1 minute, RBC transfusion is significantly correlated with BPD and NEC (BPD [odds ratio (OR), 5.42; P < 0.001], NEC [OR, 3.40; P = 0.009]). Conclusion :RBC transfusion is significantly associated with adverse clinical outcomes such as NEC and BPD in VLBW infants. Careful consideration of the patient's clinical condition and appropriate guidelines is required before administering RBC transfusions.
