Impact of Enteral Feeding on Splanchnic Oxygenation During Packed Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Preterm Infants

Continuing enteral feeding during red blood cell transfusion can have a negative impact on cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation and trigger transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis (TANEC) in very low birth-weight infants of gestational age less than 32 weeks and/or birthweight less than 1500 grams. However, the issue of continuing or withholding enteral feeding to prevent TANEC in these neonates is a matter of debate. Enteral feeding is often withheld during blood transfusion to prevent TANEC. This study was carried out to investigate the effect of enteral feeding during red blood cell infusion on cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation in low-birth-weight preterm infants. Secondary hypothesis was to observe (if any) the signs and symptoms of a new-onset feeding intolerance and/or necrotizing enterocolitis for 48 hours following the blood transfusion. Enteral feeding will continue or be withhold in very low birthweight neonates during packed red blood cell transfusion. Regional cerebral and splanchnic oxygenation were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for 48 hours.