Comparing the Cerebral Resistive Index Using Doppler Ultrasound in Neonates before and after Transfusion of Red Blood Cell – A Prospective Observational Study

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Anemia is a common morbidity seen in neonates, having an impact on cerebral circulation. Commonly, severe anemia is managed with red blood cell transfusion. This study was done to determine the cerebral hemodynamic change occurring in neonates before and after packed red blood cell transfusion. Methods: Neonates who had undergone blood transfusions were prospectively studied using cerebral Doppler ultrasonography. Cerebral blood flow (CBF) velocity of the middle cerebral artery was calculated before and after PRBC transfusion. Results: Twenty neonates of median gestational age 34 weeks (interquartile range: 24–40 weeks) with a mean birth weight of 1670 g were enrolled. Pre and post transfusion mean resistive index (RI) were 0.7 and 0.67, respectively, with confidence interval (−0.04–0.09) (P = 0.40). There was a decrease in peak systolic velocity and an increase in end diastolic velocity, though not statistically significant. Conclusion: The study concluded that there was no statistically significant difference in the CBF velocities, including RI pre and post PRBC transfusion.

Keywords

• doppler ultrasound
• neonate
• packed red blood cell transfusion
• resistive index