We use cookies to understand how you use our site and to improve your experience. This includes personalizing content and advertising. To learn more, click here. By continuing to use our site, you accept our use of cookies. Cookie Policy.

LabMedica

Download Mobile App
Recent News Expo Clinical Chem. Molecular Diagnostics Hematology Immunology Microbiology Pathology Technology Industry Focus

Blood Transfusions Improved for Preterm Infants

By LabMedica International staff writers
Posted on 06 Dec 2012
Transfusion of packed red blood cells (PRBCs) saves lives in the neonatal critical care setting and is one of the most common interventions in the preterm infant.

The number and volume of PRBC transfusions are associated with several major neonatal morbidities, although a direct causal link between transfusion and major neonatal morbidity has yet to be proven.

Scientists at the Robinson Institute, the University of Adelaide, (Australia) studied 28 preterm babies at 28 weeks' gestation or less, who were given packed red blood cell transfusions. Plasma inflammatory cytokines and markers of endothelial activation were measured in the infants before and two to four hours after transfusion, as well as in the donor pack. The median age range at transfusion was 18 days with the pretransfusion hemoglobin level at 9.8 g/dL, with a range of 7.4–10.2 g/dL.

The interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, tumor necrosis factor-α, and the monocyte chemoattractant protein were increased after transfusion. A similar elevation in markers of endothelial activation was seen after transfusion with increased plasma macrophage inhibitory factor and soluble intracellular adhesion molecule. Cytokines were analyzed by Milliplex MAP Human Cytokine/Chemokine enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) (Merck Millipore; Billerica, MA, USA).

Michael J. Stark, PhD, the lead author of the study said, "Within two to four hours of preterm babies receiving a blood transfusion, we have seen elevated levels of cytokines and chemokines, signaling cells that stimulate inflammatory responses in the body. We believe that the bioactive components of packed red blood cell transfusions are initiating or amplifying these inflammatory processes in the body. "The authors concluded that production of inflammatory cytokines and immunoactivation of the endothelium observed after the transfusion of PRBCs in the preterm infant may be a manifestation of transfusion-related immunomodulation (TRIM). The study was published on November 21, 2012, in the journal Pediatric Research.

Related Links:

University of Adelaide
Merck Millipore




New
Gold Member
Quality Control Material
iPLEX Pro Exome QC Panel
Serological Pipet Controller
PIPETBOY GENIUS
New
Gold Member
Serological Pipets
INTEGRA Serological Pipets
New
Silver Member
Quality Control Material
NATtrol Chlamydia trachomatis Positive Control

Latest Hematology News

Disposable Cartridge-Based Test Delivers Rapid and Accurate CBC Results
06 Dec 2012  |   Hematology

First Point-of-Care Heparin Monitoring Test Provides Results in Under 15 Minutes
06 Dec 2012  |   Hematology

New Scoring System Predicts Risk of Developing Cancer from Common Blood Disorder
06 Dec 2012  |   Hematology



PURITAN MEDICAL