• A R Franz and F Pohlandt.
• Department of Paediatrics, Division of Neonatology and Paediatric Critical Care, University of Ulm, 89070 Ulm, Germany. axel.franz@medizin.uni-ulm.de
• Arch. Dis. Child. Fetal Neonatal Ed. 2001 Mar 1; 84 (2): F96-F100.

ObjectiveTo examine the number and volume of red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs) in very and extremely low birthweight infants under restrictive red blood cell transfusion guidelines without erythropoietin administration, and to compare the results with those reported in similar infants receiving erythropoietin.MethodsFrom April 1996 to June 1999, all RBCTs given to infants with a birth weight of less than 1500 g were prospectively recorded. Data on RBCT combined with erythropoietin treatment and RBCT guidelines were extracted from four prospective randomised trials of erythropoietin for anaemia of prematurity.ResultsWhen the restrictive RBCT guidelines were followed, the number of RBCTs and volume transfused were similar to those reported during erythropoietin administration.ConclusionsRBCT guidelines may have a similar impact on RBCT in very low birthweight infants to the administration of erythropoietin. The effect of RBCT guidelines on RBCT frequency should be considered when evaluating the efficacy of erythropoietin administration to preterm infants.

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