Abstract
Objective:
To investigate myocardial velocities in anemic very low-birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, pre and post red blood cells transfusion using tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography.
Study design:
Forty-eight VLBW preterm infants⩽34 weeks and>2 weeks old were prospectively divided: Transfused symptomatic infants (Hematocrit (Hct)<0.30 (n=32)) and non transfused asymptomatic controls (control 1, Hct >0.30 (n=9) and control 2, Hct <0.30 (n=7)). Echocardiography was performed before and 3–5 days after transfusion in the transfused, and the controls were studied at similar intervals. Non parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.
Result:
Left ventricular (LV) systolic velocity increased (transfused (4.6±0.70 vs 6.0±0.65, P<0.01)) as did LV diastolic velocities (P<0.01) without significant difference over time in each control. The percentage change in LV velocity following transfusion correlated negatively (ρ=0.36) with pre transfusion Hct.
Conclusion:
There is a significant increase in myocardial performance following transfusion, which is related to the severity of the anemia.
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Acknowledgements
We thank Prof Naomi McCallion, Dr Saima Aslam and neonatal staff at the Rotunda hospital for providing strong support in carrying out this study.
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The authors declare no conflict of interest.
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This Study was conducted at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.
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Saleemi, M., Bruton, K., El-Khuffash, A. et al. Myocardial assessment using tissue doppler imaging in preterm very low-birth weight infants before and after red blood cell transfusion. J Perinatol 33, 681–686 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.39
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.39
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