Epidemiology of Necrotizing Enterocolitis New Considerations Regarding the Influence of Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Anemia

• Authors: Vivek Saroha, Emory University; Cassandra Josephson, Emory University; Ravi Patel, Emory University
• Journal Title: Clinics in Perinatology
• Volume: Volume 46, Number 1
• Publisher: Elsevier Science Inc. | 2019-03-01, Pages 101-+
• Type of Work: Article | Post-print: After Peer Review
• Publisher DOI: http://doi.org/10.1016/j.clp.2018.09.006
• Subjects: Health Sciences, Obstetrics and Gynecology; Health Sciences, Human Development; Health Sciences, Pathology
• Keywords: Science & Technology; Life Sciences & Biomedicine; Obstetrics & Gynecology; Pediatrics; Infant; Neonate; Preterm; Blood; Oxygenation; Morbidity; Near-infrared spectroscopy; Splanchnic tissue oxygenation; Birth weight infants; Preterm infant; Iron supplementation; Nitric oxide; Erythropoietin; Increase; Risk; Association

Abstract

This article summarizes available evidence on the relationship between red blood cell transfusion and anemia, and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). We review recent studies that highlight the uncertainty of the effect of red blood cell transfusion on NEC and the potential role of anemia. We also discuss potential pathophysiologic effects of both red blood cell transfusion and anemia and highlight strategies to prevent anemia and red blood cell transfusion. We also discuss ongoing randomized trials that are likely to provide important new evidence to guide red blood cell transfusion practices.