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New frontiers in neonatal red blood cell transfusion research

Journal of Perinatology volume 43, pages 1349–1356 (2023)Cite this article

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Abstract

Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions are common in neonates requiring intensive care. Recent studies have compared restricted versus liberal transfusion guidelines, but limitations exist on evaluations of outcomes in populations that never required a transfusion compared to those receiving any transfusion. Although there are well-established risks associated with RBC transfusions, new data has emerged that suggests additional clinically relevant associations, including adverse neurodevelopmental outcomes, donor sex differences, and inflammation or immunosuppression. Further research is needed to delineate the magnitude of these risks and to further improve the safety of transfusions. The goal of this review is to highlight underappreciated, yet clinically important risks associated with neonatal RBC transfusions and to introduce several areas in which neonates may uniquely benefit from alterations in practice.

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Acknowledgements

The authors would like the thank the WECaN-TECaN Mentorship Program for arranging this opportunity for CMS and SEJ to work together on a topic of common interest.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Pediatrics, Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, MD, USA

    Christopher M. Stark

  2. Institute on Human Development and Disability (IHDD) and the Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities Research Center (IDDRC), Department of Pediatrics, University of Washington, Seattle, WA, USA

    Sandra E. Juul

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  1. Christopher M. Stark
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  2. Sandra E. Juul
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CMS and SEJ substantially contributed to the conception and design of the article, interpreted the relevant literature, drafted and revised the article, and approved of the final version of the manuscript.

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Correspondence to Christopher M. Stark.

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Stark, C.M., Juul, S.E. New frontiers in neonatal red blood cell transfusion research. J Perinatol 43, 1349–1356 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1038/s41372-023-01757-7

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