Journal of Clinical Pediatrics ›› 2022, Vol. 40 ›› Issue (9): 647-653.doi: 10.12372/jcp.2022.22e0361

• Expert Review • Previous Articles     Next Articles

Transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis

LEI Xiaoping, LUO Lijuan   

  1. Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Sichuan Clinical Research Center for Birth Defects, Luzhou 646000, Sichuan, China
  • Received:2022-03-17 Online:2022-09-15 Published:2022-08-26

Abstract:

Neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a serious and life-threatening gastrointestinal disease in the neonatal period. The atypical clinical manifestations of NEC, especially in premature infants, are abdominal distension, vomiting, bloody stools and shock. At present, the widely known pathogenesis of NEC includes preterm birth, infection, hypoxia-ischemia and improper feeding, etc. In recent years, the association between red blood cell transfusion (RBCT) and NEC was widely concerned. This article reviewed the relationship between RBCT and NEC, the influence factors, possible pathologic mechanism and the prevention strategies of transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis (TANEC). Based on the available evidences, the author believes that TANEC is a clinical condition. However, anemia is the basis for the onset of TANEC. Prevention of anemia and reasonable blood transfusion are the basic strategies to reduce TANEC.

Key words: necrotizing enterocolitis, red blood cell transfusion, newborn