RBC Irradiation, Anemia and Gut Injury

Anemia and digestive tract complications are common problems in Extremely Low Birth Weight infants. Anemia is a condition in which the body does not have enough red blood cells (RBC). RBCs are important because they contain hemoglobin, the substance that carries oxygen throughout the body. Transfusions of RBCs in these infants is frequently required to correct the anemia. Oxygen levels in the digestive tract will be measured before, during and after each blood transfusion using a tissue oxygen monitor called Near Infrared Spectroscopy (NIRS). By using this technology, better understanding can be obtained of intestinal blood flow patterns.

In addition, ELBW infants are more likely to have immature digestive systems and are at risk for digestive tract problems such as necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). NEC is a disease characterized by infection and decreased blood flow to the intestines. NEC is a major cause of devastating illness and death in this vulnerable preterm population. Leftover blood samples, urine, stool, and breast milk samples will be collected, frozen, and stored. In the event a baby develops a digestive tract complication they will be studied in a laboratory to identify markers that indicate a healthy digestive tract versus illness.