Rev Invest Clin
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Wardrop's formula to estimate available oxygen has been used to assess non-critically ill pre-term newborn infants (PTNIs) of 28-32 weeks gestational age who may need red blood cell transfusion ( RBCT ). The use of this formula has not been analyzed in critically-ill PTNIs. The objective of this study was to compare available oxygen levels before and after RBCTs in critically-ill PTNIs of 28-36 weeks gestational age, and to assess is potential usefulness. ⋯ Available oxygen is a good parameter to assess the need for RBCTs in critically-ill PTNIs of 28-36 weeks gestational age. Available oxygen values < 8mL/dL may be another parameter to consider as a criterion for RBCT in these patients.