Hemoglobin Transfusion Thresholds Outcomes for Preterm Infants

Investigators from multiple institutions conducted an open randomized controlled trial (RCT) comparing outcomes among preterm infants who received red cell transfusions at higher or lower hemoglobin thresholds. Study participants were infants born at ≥22 weeks’ and <29 weeks’ gestation with birth weights <1,000 grams who received care at one of 41 NICUs. Infants were enrolled in the study when they were <48 hours old and randomized to the higher- or lower-threshold groups between Dec. 31, 2012 and April 12, 2017, with follow-up through Feb. 3, 2020. The need for red cell transfusions until 36 weeks of postmenstrual age for patients in both groups was based on separate algorithms that included postnatal age and need for respiratory support. The algorithms were …