Red blood cell transfusion of preterm neonates with a Grade 1 intraventricular hemorrhage is associated with extension to a Grade 3 or 4 hemorrhage

Abstract

An association exists between RBC transfusion and extension of a Grade 1 IVH into a Grade 3 or 4. However, the explanation is unclear and could involve either the reasons transfusion are ordered or the transfusions themselves. Additional studies are needed to discover why neonates are more likely to have IVH extension if transfused.