Neonatal red cell transfusion

From WikiMD's Wellnesspedia

Neonatal red cell transfusion is a medical procedure often necessary for newborns who are experiencing low blood levels of red blood cells, a condition known as neonatal anemia. This treatment is critical for ensuring that infants have an adequate number of red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout their body, supporting growth and organ development.

Indications[edit | edit source]

Neonatal red cell transfusion may be indicated in several scenarios, including but not limited to:

  • Prematurity: Premature infants often have underdeveloped bone marrow, which is not yet fully capable of producing the necessary red blood cells.
  • Hemolytic disease of the newborn: This condition occurs when there is an incompatibility between the blood types of the mother and baby, leading to the destruction of the infant's red blood cells.
  • Significant blood loss: This can occur due to surgical procedures, birth trauma, or other causes.
  • Anemia of prematurity: A common condition in premature infants due to their rapid growth rates and limited red blood cell lifespan.

Procedure[edit | edit source]

The procedure for a neonatal red cell transfusion involves carefully matching the donor blood with the infant's blood type to prevent adverse reactions. Blood is then transfused through a small needle or catheter placed in the baby's vein. The process is closely monitored to ensure the infant's safety throughout the transfusion.

Risks and Complications[edit | edit source]

While neonatal red cell transfusions are generally safe, they are not without risks. Potential complications include:

  • Allergic reactions
  • Infection due to contaminated blood products
  • Overload of blood volume, leading to heart or lung problems
  • Electrolyte imbalances

Outcomes[edit | edit source]

The outcomes of neonatal red cell transfusions are typically positive, with many infants showing significant improvement in symptoms of anemia and overall health. This procedure can be lifesaving and is a critical component of neonatal care for infants in need.

See Also[edit | edit source]

Resources[edit source]

Latest articles - Neonatal red cell transfusion

PubMed
Clinical trials
UpToDate

AI tools[edit source]

Generative AI tools and links to learn more on Neonatal red cell transfusion: ChatGPT - Bing Chat - Google Gemini. (caution advised).


Wiki.png

Navigation: Wellness - Encyclopedia - Health topics - Disease Index‏‎ - Drugs - World Directory - Gray's Anatomy - Keto diet - Recipes

Search WikiMD


Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. See full disclaimer.

Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.


Contributors: Prab R. Tumpati, MD