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Exploring the Relationship Between Blood Transfusions and Development of Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia in Neonates
Abdulrahman Al-Matary1, Ibrahim AlShalan2, Fawaz M AlDhafiri3
1Department of Neonatology, Health Science Centre, Winnipeg, CAN.
Insights
Blood transfusions significantly increase the risk of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. This study highlights blood transfusions as a strong predictor of BPD, suggesting a critical role in its development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Pediatric Pulmonology
- Transfusion Medicine
Background:
- Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) is a common lung condition in preterm infants.
- Blood transfusions, including red blood cells and platelets, may exacerbate pulmonary inflammation, potentially contributing to BPD development.
- The causal role of transfusions in BPD has been understudied despite frequent use in affected infants.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between blood product transfusions and the incidence of BPD in preterm neonates.
- To identify the role of blood transfusions as a predictor for BPD development.
- To explore other associated factors contributing to BPD in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of neonates with gestational age < 32 weeks admitted within 48 hours of birth (2011-2020).
- Data extraction included demographics, clinical factors, and blood transfusion history from medical records.
- Logistic regression analysis was employed to assess the relationship between blood transfusion and BPD development.
Main Results:
- 1,553 neonates were analyzed; 11.8% were diagnosed with BPD.
- Neonates receiving blood transfusions showed a significantly higher likelihood of developing BPD (OR=9.1).
- Blood transfusion remained a significant predictor of BPD after adjusting for confounders (aOR=3.8), identified as the strongest predictor (OR=4.5).
Conclusions:
- A significant association exists between blood transfusions and BPD development in preterm neonates.
- Blood transfusion is a strong predictor of BPD, suggesting a critical role in its pathogenesis.
- Retinopathy of prematurity, patent ductus arteriosus, sepsis, and non-invasive ventilation also showed associations with BPD.
Background:
Transfusions of red blood cells and platelets may worsen pulmonary inflammation and contribute to the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD), a common lung condition in preterm infants. Although nearly all infants with severe BPD have received transfusions, their role as a potential cause of BPD has not been thoroughly studied.
Objectives:
This study aimed to explore the relationship between blood product transfusions and the development of BPD among preterm neonates in the Department of Neonatology at King Fahad Medical City, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia.
Methods:
A retrospective study was conducted from 2011 to 2020 on neonates with a gestational age of less than 32 weeks who were admitted to the hospital within 48 hours of birth. Data were extracted from the department's medical records on patient demographics, clinical factors, and blood transfusions. Logistic regression analysis was performed to assess the relationship between blood transfusion and the development of BPD in the study cohort.
Results:
A total of 1,553 neonates were included in the study. The mean gestational age was 28.8 ± 2.7 weeks, and the mean birth weight was 1264.2 ± 515.1 grams. Among the neonates, 183 (11.8%) were diagnosed with BPD. Neonates who received blood transfusions had a significantly higher likelihood of developing BPD compared to those who did not (OR = 9.1, 95% CI = 6.3-13.1), with the risk being even higher among those who received fresh frozen plasma (OR = 9.9). After adjusting for potential confounders, multivariate logistic regression analysis confirmed that blood transfusion remained a significant factor in the development of BPD (OR = 3.8, 95% CI = 2.5-5.8). Stepwise regression analysis further identified blood transfusion as the strongest predictor of BPD (OR = 4.5, 95% CI = 2.91-6.70). Additional significant predictors included retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), sepsis, and non-invasive ventilation (NIV).
Conclusion:
This study found a significant association between blood transfusions and the development of BPD in preterm neonates, and it was found as a strong predictor. Other factors such as ROP, PDA, sepsis, and NIV use were also associated with BPD. The findings suggest that blood transfusion may play a critical role in the development of BPD.
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