Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 18, 2026
05:39
A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
Association between red cell transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis.
Sachin C Amin1, Juan I Remon, Girish C Subbarao
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA.
Summary
Red blood cell (RBC) transfusions may be linked to necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. While evidence suggests a connection, further research is needed to confirm this association.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious condition affecting premature infants.
- A temporal association between red blood cell (RBC) transfusions and NEC has been observed in case reports and retrospective studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the clinical evidence and biological plausibility of an association between RBC transfusions and NEC.
- To synthesize current findings on transfusion-associated NEC.
Main Methods:
- A comprehensive literature search was conducted using PubMed, EMBASE, and Scopus.
- Abstracts from the annual meetings of the Pediatric Academic Societies were also reviewed.
Main Results:
- 25-40% of NEC cases involved an RBC transfusion within 48 hours prior to onset.
- Infants with transfusion-associated NEC were typically born earlier, had lower birth weights, and developed NEC later (3-5 weeks postnatal age).
Conclusions:
- Transfusion-associated NEC is a plausible clinical entity based on current evidence.
- Retrospective study designs limit definitive conclusions due to potential bias.
- A large, prospective, multi-center trial is necessary to definitively evaluate the RBC transfusion-NEC association.
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