Red blood cell transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis in very-low-birthweight infants: A near-infrared spectroscopy investigation

Background Recent evidence suggests that antecedent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions increase the risk for necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), the most common gastrointestinal emergency encountered by very low birth weight (VLBW) infants. The underlying mechanism for this association is unknown. Altered oxygenation of the mesenteric vasculature during PRBC transfusion has been hypothesized to contribute to NEC development and was investigated in this study.