Abstract
Changes in hemoglobin concentration in premature infants are difficult to interpret because of variations in blood volume and blood loss. We have determined circulating red cell volume (RCV) and erythrocyte survival by Cr51 red cell labelling using capillary techniques. In six infants whose weights varied from 680-1, 320 g, RCV was 29.5 ± 6.4 ml/kg.
In these babies, blood lost for laboratory tests during the first three weeks of life averaged 0.81 ml/kg/day. In addition all materials contaminated by blood (sponges, syringes, etc.) were collected and the content of Cr51 labelled cells was determined. A correlation was found (r=0.60; p<0.01) between the amount of blood taken for tests and that in contaminated materials (0.08 ml/kg/day).
The assessment of erythrocyte survival and of changes in hemoglobin concentration demands quantitation of blood lost through sampling. This, together with direct measurement of RCV permits a more complete evaluation of anemia in small premature infants.
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Bell, E., Nahmias, C., Sinclair, J. et al. THE ASSESSMENT OF ANEMIA IN SMALL PREMATURE INFANTS. Pediatr Res 11, 467 (1977). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00583
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-197704000-00583
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