Optimal Hemoglobin Level in Preterm Infants.

Kim,  Sung Shin

doi:2014.21.2.92

Neonatal Med > Volume 21(2); 2014 > Article

Review

Neonatal Medicine 2014;21(2):92-98.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.5385/nm.2014.21.2.92 Published online May 30, 2014.

Optimal Hemoglobin Level in Preterm Infants.

Sung Shin Kim

Department of Pediatrics, Soonchunhyang University Bucheon Hospital, Soonchunhyang University College of Medicine, Bucheon, Korea. kimss@schmc.ac.kr

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.

Key Words: Infant premature; Anemia; Erythrocyte transfusion; Hemoglobins