Associations between Red Blood Cell and Platelet Transfusions and Retinopathy of Prematurity

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Medicine
• Pediatric Ophthalmology
• Hematology

Background:

• Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
• Transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs) and platelets (PLTs) are common in preterm neonates.
• The potential association between these transfusions and ROP development requires further investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the association between RBC and/or PLT transfusions and the incidence of ROP in preterm infants.
• To determine if the number of transfusions influences ROP development.

Main Methods:

• A retrospective, national, case-control study was conducted in Switzerland from 2013 to 2018.
• Preterm infants (<28 weeks gestational age) who developed ROP (stage ≥2) were compared to matched controls without ROP.
• Data on RBC and PLT transfusions were analyzed using adjusted logistic regression.

Main Results:

• Infants who developed ROP received a higher number of RBC transfusions per infant compared to controls.
• A greater percentage of infants in the ROP group received PLT transfusions.
• Both RBC (OR 1.081) and PLT (OR 2.502) transfusions were significantly associated with ROP development.

Conclusions:

• Multiple RBC and PLT transfusions are associated with an increased risk of developing higher-stage ROP.
• These findings suggest that RBC and PLT transfusions may be potential risk factors for ROP.
• Prospective studies are warranted to confirm the causal relationship and establish definitive risk factors.