Feasibility of umbilical cord blood as a source of red blood cell transfusion in preterm infants.

Background: Preterm infants born earlier than 32 weeks of gestational age (GA) often need red blood cell (RBC) transfusions, which have been associated with an increased incidence of complications of prematurity, due to changes in tissue oxygenation. Transfusion of umbilical cord blood (UCB) could be beneficial for this group. The aims of this study were: (i) to determine the RBC transfusion needs in infants <32 weeks in Hospital Clinic of Barcelona; (ii) to identify the target GA group that would benefit most from UCB transfusion; and (iii) to assess the current availability of UCB as a potential source of RBC transfusion for these premature infants in our tertiary referral blood bank.

Material And Methods: A retrospective observational study was performed on infants born at <32 weeks GA, divided into two groups: (i) extremely low gestational age neonates (ELGAN) (from 23 to 27 weeks) and (ii) very preterm neonates (VPN) (from 28 to 31 weeks). Their complications and transfusion rates were compared. Processing and availability of UCB samples in the reference blood bank were assessed.

Results: Overall, 1,651 infants <32 weeks GA were admitted in the study period. While 12.5% of VPN received at least one RBC transfusion, the percentage increased to 60% among the ELGAN. Retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia were diagnosed more frequently in the ELGAN group (p<0.001) than in the VPN group. The annual average volume of RBC transfusion in our study group was 1.35 L (95% CI: 1.07-1.64). The reference blood bank was able to produce 16 L (95% CI: 14-18) of UCB-RBC per year.

Conclusion: Considering the data obtained about RBC transfusion needs and morbidities, the ELGAN group has been identified as the target group that would benefit most from UCB-RBC transfusions. We have demonstrated that our blood bank is able to produce enough RBC from UCB. Randomised control trials are warranted to study the potential benefits of UCB compared to adult blood for RBC transfusions.