Significance of Ultrasound Combined with Near-Infrared Spectroscopy in Monitoring Transfusion-Associated Intestinal Injury in Extremely Preterm Infants: a Study Protocol for a Prospective, Observational Study

Launched by PEKING UNIVERSITY THIRD HOSPITAL · Feb 27, 2025

Keywords

ClinConnect Summary

This clinical trial aims to explore how well ultrasound and a special light technique called near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) can help detect intestinal injury in very premature infants (those born before 32 weeks of pregnancy) who need blood transfusions due to anemia. Blood transfusions can sometimes cause harm to the intestines, and this study hopes to find out if using these two monitoring methods can spot problems earlier than other signs or tests. By doing so, the researchers believe they can help doctors make better decisions, potentially improving the health and survival of these fragile infants.

To participate in the study, infants must be between 23 and 31 weeks old, hospitalized in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and scheduled for a blood transfusion. Parents will need to provide written consent for their child to take part. During the study, doctors will use ultrasound and NIRS alongside standard monitoring to keep an eye on the infants' intestinal health during the transfusion. This research is important as it could lead to better outcomes for very premature infants facing the risks of blood transfusions.

Gender

ALL

Eligibility criteria

• Inclusion Criteria:
• • 1. preterm infants with a gestational age between 23+0 and 31+6 weeks, 2. infants hospitalized in our hospital's NICU after birth, receiving a blood transfusion during hospitalization; and 3. infants whose parents provide written informed consent.
• Exclusion Criteria:
• • 1. Presence of severe congenital malformations or chromosomal abnormalities, 2. anemia due to acute blood loss; 3. presence of severe hemodynamic disorders, coagulation dysfunction, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC); 4. presence of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis, sepsis, or severe infectious conditions such as septicemia that remain uncorrected before transfusion; 5. congenital hematological diseases (such as pure red cell aplasia); 6. death due to other complications; 7. incomplete data; 8. infants participating in other interventional studies; and 8. infants whose parents do not consent to their participation.