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Necrotizing enterocolitis after red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants with patent ductus arteriosus: a case series
Author(s) -
Sellmer Anna,
Tauris Lene Hjelle,
Johansen Anders,
Henriksen Tine Brink
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
acta paediatrica
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.772
H-Index - 115
eISSN - 1651-2227
pISSN - 0803-5253
DOI - 10.1111/apa.12016
Subject(s) - medicine , necrotizing enterocolitis , ductus arteriosus , exchange transfusion , enteral administration , low birth weight , enterocolitis , pediatrics , packed red blood cells , blood transfusion , parenteral nutrition , pregnancy , biology , genetics
Aim: Both patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusion are risk factors for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). The combination of PDA and PRBC transfusion may have a synergistic effect on the intestinal circulation. Methods: We present four cases of NEC in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants within 14 h after PRBC transfusion. Results: All infants were growing on full enteral feeding, and they all had a PDA. Conclusion: We are concerned that the simultaneous presence of a PDA and PRBC transfusion in VLBW infants may place the infant at even greater risk of NEC than each of these factors alone.