Assessing the Need for Transfusion of Premature Infants and Role of Hematocrit, Clinical Signs, and Erythropoietin Level

摘要: There are no clear criteria for administration of blood to premature infants. In the past, indications transfusion have included tachypnea, tachycardia, poor weight gain, apnea, bradycardia, pallor, lethargy, decreased activity, or feeding. Some suggested that erythropoietin levels may also be useful in determining need transfusion. Data were studied from 11 infants with birth weights less than 1500 g collected throughout 469 hospital days. During period received a total 37 transfusions. No overall relationship was found between hematocrit 19% 64% and heart rate, respiratory occurrence bradycardia; ie, these variables proved clinically unreliable as indicators hematocrit. Furthermore, predictable effect could identified on incidence apnea bradycardia. It anticipated frequent episodes bradycardia might increase serum concentration. To contrary, more associated low because those tended receive transfusions "symptomatic" anemia. The data consistent concept "anemia prematurity" is not predictably symptoms classically attributed Possible reasons this infant has different inherent response anemia; it inappropriate extrapolate severe acute anemia persons mild moderate chronic or, most likely, other determinants apnea/bradycardia importance