Transfusion
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Randomized Controlled Trial
Splanchnic-cerebral oxygenation ratio as a marker of preterm infant blood transfusion needs.
Premature neonates often receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions to improve tissue perfusion and oxygen delivery. Clinical and laboratory indicators used to guide transfusion therapy are inadequate to determine physiologic need with high predictability and transfusions frequently do not result in clinical improvement. The splanchnic-cerebral oxygenation ratio (SCOR) provides insight into overall tissue oxygen sufficiency and can be determined using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). Our aim was to assess the usefulness of SCOR as a marker for transfusion need in preterm infants. ⋯ SCOR may help identify premature infants who will benefit from RBC transfusion.