Effect of blood transfusions on cerebral haemodynamics in preterm infants.

AIM

To assess the possible cerebral haemodynamic changes occurring in preterm infants after blood transfusions.

METHODS

Preterm infants who had undergone blood transfusions were prospectively studied using both near infrared spectroscopy and cerebral Doppler ultrasonography.

RESULTS

Fourteen infants (mean gestational age 29.6 wk, SD 2.6; mean birthweight 1,430g, SD 332) were studied at the mean age of 29 (SD 14) d. A significant increase in oxygenated haemoglobin (O2Hb), deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb), mixed cerebral oxygen saturation (SmO2) and change in cerebral blood volume occurred after transfusion. Between ultrasound parameters, we found a decrease in diastolic velocity and an increase in resistance index.

CONCLUSION

Blood transfusions improve cerebral oxygen supply and induce a decrease in cerebral blood volume, probably due to an increase in cerebral vessel resistance.