To investigate the effects of red blood cell transfusions and transfusion strategies on clinical outcomes in extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGANs).
Key Findings:
Increased number of transfusions was an independent risk factor for bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) (adjusted OR = 1.88).
Higher transfusion number was associated with lower survival without severe complications (adjusted OR = 0.75).
Transfusion number was associated with lower risks of severe brain injury (adjusted OR = 0.62) and mortality (adjusted OR = 0.66).
Interpretation:
In ELGANs, increased transfusions are linked to higher BPD risk and lower survival without severe complications, while a restrictive strategy reduces transfusion exposure without increasing major adverse outcomes, highlighting its clinical significance.
Limitations:
Retrospective design may introduce biases.
Single-center study limits generalizability.
Conclusion:
A restrictive transfusion strategy is recommended in clinical practice for ELGANs.
