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A Neonatal BALB/c Mouse Model of Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Published on: November 30, 2021
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Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis re-evaluated: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Stientje Esther Rai1,2, Amneet Kaur Sidhu1,2, Rohin Jayaram Krishnan2
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON, Canada.
Journal of Perinatal Medicine
|October 26, 2017
Summary
Recent packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions appear to protect against necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants. This finding challenges current practices of withholding enteral feeds around transfusions.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Gastroenterology
- Hematology
Background:
- Controversy exists regarding the association between packed red blood cell (PRBC) transfusions and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) in infants.
- Previous studies suggested an association, leading to practices of withholding enteral feeds peri-transfusion.
- More recent evidence questions this association and the validity of current practices.
Purpose of the Study:
- To systematically review and meta-analyze the association between recent PRBC transfusion (within 48 hours) and the development of NEC (Bell's stage ≥II) in infants.
Main Methods:
- Comprehensive literature search of Medline, Embase, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, and gray literature up to October 2015.
- Included 13 studies comparing NEC risk in infants with and without recent PRBC exposure.
- Meta-analysis of 10 studies (15,675 infants) using a random effects model.
Main Results:
- A statistically significant 45% reduction in the odds of NEC was observed in infants exposed to recent PRBC transfusion (OR=0.55, 95% CI=0.31-0.98).
Conclusions:
- Recent PRBC transfusion demonstrates a protective effect against the subsequent development of NEC in infants.
- The practice of withholding enteral feeds during the peri-transfusion period warrants re-evaluation based on these findings.
