Combining Restrictive Guidelines and a NIRS SCORE to Decrease RBC Transfusions

The primary aim of this study is to determine the mean number of red blood cell (RBC) transfusions received by preterm infants cared for using restrictive Hgb guidelines in combination with splanchnic to cerebral oxygenation ratio (SCOR) assessment compared to the mean number of transfusions received by preterm infants cared for using liberal guidelines alone. This study is designed as a prospective randomized controlled trial. Preterm infants less than 30 weeks gestational age and 500-1250 grams in weight will be recruited and enrolled into the study during day of life 0 to 3. Study participants will be randomly assigned into two groups: a restrictive transfusion group and a liberal transfusion group. In the liberal group, RBC transfusions will be given to subjects when their Hgb level falls below defined values that are based on respiratory support status. In the restrictive group, RBC transfusions will be given to subjects either when their Hgb level falls below defined values based on respiratory status or, despite not having reached their Hgb trigger threshold, if they manifest symptoms judged by the clinical care team to be consistent with anemia (i.e. apnea, bradycardia, or desaturation episodes) and subsequently have a near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) evaluation that demonstrates an SCOR \< 0.73.