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World J Clin Pediatr. Aug 8, 2014; 3(3): 19-29
Published online Aug 8, 2014. doi: 10.5409/wjcp.v3.i3.19
Transfusion related morbidity in premature babies: Possible mechanisms and implications for practice
Keith James Collard
Keith James Collard, Peninsula Allied Health Centre, School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Plymouth, PL6 8BH, United Kingdom
Author contributions: Collard KJ solely contributed to this paper.
Supported by The Northcott Devon Medical Foundation; The NHS SW Research; and Development Fund
Correspondence to: Keith Collard, PhD, Associate Professor, Peninsula Allied Health Centre, School of Health Professions, Faculty of Health and Human Sciences, University of Plymouth, Derriford Road, Plymouth, PL6 8BH, United Kingdom. keith.collard@plymouth.ac.uk
Telephone: +44-1752-587585 Fax: +44-1752-588874
Received: November 27, 2013
Revised: March 19, 2014
Accepted: May 31, 2014
Published online: August 8, 2014
Core Tip

Core tip: Many premature babies, especially those with a low birth weight are given multiple transfusions during their first few weeks of life. Studies have shown correlations between the receipt of blood transfusions and the development of the major complications of prematurity. Little is known of the underlying pathophysiology of this relationship. This review examines novel potential mechanisms which are related to the changes that occur in iron, heme and oxidative status in paediatric packed cell units during preparation and storage, and in the ability of the premature baby to deal with these changes following receipt of blood transfusion.