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Myocardial assessment using tissue doppler imaging in preterm very low-birth weight infants before and after red blood cell transfusion

Journal of Perinatology volume 33, pages 681–686 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

To investigate myocardial velocities in anemic very low-birth weight (VLBW) preterm infants, pre and post red blood cells transfusion using tissue Doppler imaging echocardiography.

Study design:

Forty-eight VLBW preterm infants⩽34 weeks and>2 weeks old were prospectively divided: Transfused symptomatic infants (Hematocrit (Hct)<0.30 (n=32)) and non transfused asymptomatic controls (control 1, Hct >0.30 (n=9) and control 2, Hct <0.30 (n=7)). Echocardiography was performed before and 3–5 days after transfusion in the transfused, and the controls were studied at similar intervals. Non parametric tests were used for statistical analysis.

Result:

Left ventricular (LV) systolic velocity increased (transfused (4.6±0.70 vs 6.0±0.65, P<0.01)) as did LV diastolic velocities (P<0.01) without significant difference over time in each control. The percentage change in LV velocity following transfusion correlated negatively (ρ=0.36) with pre transfusion Hct.

Conclusion:

There is a significant increase in myocardial performance following transfusion, which is related to the severity of the anemia.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Prof Naomi McCallion, Dr Saima Aslam and neonatal staff at the Rotunda hospital for providing strong support in carrying out this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neonatology, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    M S Saleemi, K Bruton, A El-Khuffash & J D Corcoran

  2. Department of Research, Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    C Kirkham

  3. Department of Cardiology, Children’s University Hospital, Dublin, Ireland

    O Franklin

  4. Department of Paediatrics, Trinity College, Dublin, Ireland

    J D Corcoran

Authors
  1. M S Saleemi
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  2. K Bruton
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  3. A El-Khuffash
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  4. C Kirkham
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  5. O Franklin
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  6. J D Corcoran
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to M S Saleemi.

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The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Additional information

This Study was conducted at the Rotunda Hospital, Dublin, Ireland.

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Saleemi, M., Bruton, K., El-Khuffash, A. et al. Myocardial assessment using tissue doppler imaging in preterm very low-birth weight infants before and after red blood cell transfusion. J Perinatol 33, 681–686 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.39

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.39

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