Effect of blood transfusions on cognitive development in very low birth weight infants
Preterm infants frequently receive red cell transfusions; however, the effect of transfusions on cognition is unclear. We evaluated the relationship between transfusions and cognitive outcomes in preterm infants enrolled in a randomized trial of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs).
STUDY DESIGN:Preterm infants were randomized to ESAs or placebo during initial hospitalization, and transfusions recorded. Children were evaluated using standard developmental tests of cognition at 18-22 months (56 ESA, 24 placebo) and 3.5-4 years (39 ESA, 14 placebo).
RESULTS:Cognitive scores at 18-22 months were inversely correlated with transfusion volume (p = 0.02). Among those receiving ≥1 transfusion, cognitive scores were significantly higher in the ESA-treated group (p = 0.003). At 3.5-4 years, transfusions were not correlated with cognitive scores.
CONCLUSIONS:In the placebo group, transfused children had lower cognitive scores than did non-transfused children at 18-22 months. In the ESA group, cognitive scores did not differ by transfusion status, suggesting ESAs might provide neuroprotection.
MESH HEADINGS: | Blood Transfusion; Cognition; Humans; Infant, Newborn; Infant, Premature; Infant, Very Low Birth Weight |
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Study Design: | Randomised Controlled Trial |
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Language: | eng |
Credits: | Bibliographic data from MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine |