EFFECT OF TRANSFUSION VOLUME ON CARDIAC FUNCTION AND SVC FLOW: A RANDOMISED CONTROLLED TRIAL

Objective The aim of this study was to compare the effect of PRBC transfusion volumes on cardiac function and haemodynamics. Methods Seventy-one premature infants Results Data from 69 infants was available for analysis, with 33 babies in the lower and 36 babies in the higher group. A significant PDA was present in 32 babies. Transfusion volume did not affect post-transfusion reduction in left ventricular cardiac output (CO). There was a significantly greater drop in SVC flow in the higher group (−39.0 ml/kg in higher vs. −7.9 ml/kg in lower; p = 0.036). While no effect was seen on systolic blood pressure, a significantly larger increase was found on diastolic BP in higher group post-transfusion (3.8 mm Hg in higher vs. 0.15 mm Hg in lower; p = 0.041). This increase in diastolic BP was seen in babies with ‘significant’ PDA (increase by 3.7 mm Hg in babies with PDA vs. 0.15 mm Hg in those without PDA, p = 0.043). Conclusion PRBC transfusion of 20 mL/kg was associated with a significant decrease in SVC flow and an increase in diastolic BP as compared to transfusion of 10 mL/kg.