The impact of red blood cell transfusion in preterm neonates on germinal matrix hemorrhage: incidence and grade with correlation to outcome

Abstract

Abstract Background Germinal matrix hemorrhage affects 20 to 25% of infants with a low birth weight (less than 1500 g). About one-tenth of them progress to intra-parenchymal hemorrhage, usually during the first days after birth. Several studies have found a correlation between packed RBC transfusions and a higher frequency of severe germinal matrix hemorrhage in neonatal intensive care units. Transcranial ultrasound is a safe, noninvasive modality that can be used repeatedly in the neonates with ability to detect different grades of germinal matrix hemorrhage. Objective Was to evaluate the impact of packed RBC transfusion on the incidence and grade of germinal matrix hemorrhage, as evaluated by transcranial Doppler, and correlation to outcome. Methods This prospective observational study included one hundred preterm infants admitted to NICU, suffering from GM hemorrhage throughout 9 months duration. Bedside transcranial ultrasound was done for all the patients with a correlation of the grade of hemorrhage to the onset of blood transfusion, different clinical parameters, and the outcome. Results Statistical analysis showed a significant relation between the age of the first PRBC transfusion and GM hemorrhage grade. A positive relation was found between total amounts of PRBC transfusion and increasing grade of GM hemorrhage. A negative relation was found between GM hge grades and Apgar scores. GM hge patients who received PRBC transfusion had lower mean birth weight, lower gestational age, and longer duration of hospital stay than those who have not received PRBC transfusion. Conclusion Close monitoring of preterm neonates receiving packed RBCs, by transcranial ultrasound, as early as possible, is mandatory to early detect GM hge and limit subsequent morbidities.