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Increased monocytes and bands following a red blood cell transfusion

Journal of Perinatology volume 36, pages 57–60 (2016)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

The objective of this study is to analyze the white blood cell changes that occur after a transfusion of red blood cells in order to identify a subclinical inflammatory response in neonates.

Study Design:

Retrospective analysis of infants who received a red blood cell transfusion in an intensive care nursery. White blood cell results within 24 h pre- to 48 h post-transfusion were collected and analyzed. Statistical analysis included ANOVA, T-test, Mann–Whitney U test, Pearson's correlation and multivariable linear regression.

Result:

Monocytes (P=0.02) and bands (P=0.035) were increased post-transfusion. There were no differences in monocytes (P=0.46) or bands (P=0.56) between groups who did or did not have blood cultures obtained. There was no difference in monocytes between groups who did or did not have sepsis (P=0.88).

Conclusion:

We identified an elevation in monocytes and bands in the 48 h following a transfusion in premature infants. Our findings support a possible pro-inflammatory response related to transfusion of red blood cells.

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Acknowledgements

The findings and outcomes within this manuscript represent original research from the authors. This material has not been previously published and has not been, nor will be, submitted for publication elsewhere; pending consideration from the Journal of Perinatology.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Section of Neonatology, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA

    A M Ellefson, R G Locke, A B Mackley & D A Paul

  2. Department of Pediatrics, Sydney Kimmel Medical College, Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    A M Ellefson, R G Locke & D A Paul

  3. Blood Bank, Christiana Care Health System, Newark, DE, USA

    Y Zhao

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  1. A M Ellefson
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  2. R G Locke
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  4. A B Mackley
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  5. D A Paul
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Correspondence to A M Ellefson.

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Ellefson, A., Locke, R., Zhao, Y. et al. Increased monocytes and bands following a red blood cell transfusion. J Perinatol 36, 57–60 (2016). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2015.153

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