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 1430 g, SD 332) were studied at the mean age of 29 (SD 14) d. A significant increase in oxygenated haemoglobin (O 2 Hb), deoxygenated haemoglobin (HHb), mixed cerebral oxygen saturation (SmO 2 ) 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.