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Production of endothelin-1 induced by blood transfusion in premature infants
M Sasai-Takedatsu1, T Kojima, Y Hirata
1Department of Pediatrics, Kansai Medical University, Osaka, Japan.
Insights
Blood transfusions significantly increase endothelin-1 (ET-1) levels in premature infants with anemia. This elevation correlates with lipoperoxide levels, suggesting a link to tissue injury via oxygen radical formation.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Cardiovascular Physiology
- Biochemistry
Background:
- Anemia is common in premature infants.
- Blood transfusions are a standard treatment for anemia.
- Endothelin-1 (ET-1) is a potent vasoconstrictor with potential roles in tissue injury.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between blood transfusion and plasma ET-1 levels in premature infants.
- To explore the correlation between ET-1, lipoperoxide levels, blood pressure, and oxygen availability post-transfusion.
Main Methods:
- Studied 10 premature infants with anemia undergoing blood transfusion.
- Measured plasma ET-1, lipoperoxide levels, blood pressure, and available oxygen before and after transfusion.
Main Results:
- Plasma ET-1 levels significantly increased after blood transfusion (p < 0.01).
- Positive correlations were found between ET-1 and lipoperoxide levels (r = 0.887, p < 0.01).
- ET-1 levels also correlated significantly with transfused blood volume (r = 0.758, p < 0.01).
Conclusions:
- Blood transfusion may stimulate ET-1 overproduction in premature infants.
- Elevated ET-1 may contribute to tissue injury through endothelin-induced oxygen radical formation.
- Further research is needed to elucidate the mechanisms and clinical implications.
Abstract:
We demonstrated a relationship between blood transfusion and plasma ET-1 levels in 10 premature infants with anemia. Changes in plasma ET-1 and lipoperoxide levels, blood pressure and available oxygen before and after the blood transfusion were determined. Plasma ET-1 levels were significantly elevated after blood transfusion (before: 8.0 +/- 2.8; after: 15.7 +/- 5.4 pg/ml, p < 0.01). A positive correlation was observed between plasma ET-1 levels and lipoperoxide levels (r = 0.887, p < 0.01). There was a significant correlation between plasma ET-1 levels and transfused blood volumes (r = 0.758, p < 0.01). No positive correlation was observed between plasma ET-1 levels and available oxygen. These results suggest that blood transfusion may be a stimulator of ET-1 overproduction and that it may lead to tissue injury through an endothelin-induced oxygen radical formation system.