Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2021
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: 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.
Publication Title
Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
ISSN
1476-5543
Volume
41
Issue
6
First Page
1412
Last Page
1418
DOI
10.1038/s41372-021-00997-9
Recommended Citation
Shah P, Cannon DC, Lowe JR, Phillips J, Christensen RD, Kamath-Rayne B, Rosenberg A, Wiedmeier S, Patel S, Winter S, Baker S, Ohls RK. Effect of blood transfusions on cognitive development in very low birth weight infants. J Perinatol. 2021 Jun;41(6):1412-1418. doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-00997-9. Epub 2021 Apr 28. PMID: 33911186; PMCID: PMC8238787.
