Pulse Oximetry Measurement and Transfusions

Effect of Blood Transfusions on Intermittent Hypoxic Episodes in Very Low Birth Weight Infants

The primary purpose of this observational study was to determine if pRBC transfusions decrease the frequency of intermittent hypoxia events in very low birth weight infants (VLBW) during the first six weeks of life. The impact on non-pRBC transfusions on the frequency of intermittent hypoxia was also assessed.

Inclusion Criteria:

• 23+0 to 28+6 weeks gestational age at birth

Exclusion Criteria:

• Infants with life-limiting diagnoses
• Cyanotic heart disease
• In utero fetal transfusion
• Twin to twin transfusion syndrome
• Isoimmune hemolytic disease
• Severe acute hemorrhage
• Acute shock
• Sepsis with coagulopathy
• Need for perioperative transfusion
• Parents opposed to transfusion of blood
• Parents with hemoglobinopathy or congenital anemia