Alterations in pulmonary mechanics after transfusion in anemic preterm infants.

Sasidharan, P; Heimler, R · Crit Care Med · 1990

case_series · Level IV

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Abstract

Pulmonary mechanics were studied in ten anemic preterm infants using an esophageal balloon and mask, before and after transfusion with 10 ml/kg of packed RBC. Their mean birth weight was 1212 +/- 323 g and gestational age was 29.27 +/- 2.4 wk. Transfusions were carried out at a mean postnatal age of 41.9 +/- 21.8 days. The mean Hct increased from 28 +/- 3.1 to 38.3 +/- 3.3%. Dynamic lung compliance decreased in all infants after transfusion. There was a 33.8% increase in resistance; the work of breathing increased after transfusion. These changes might be due to volume overload or increased lung water content.

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