Transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis: A conceptual framework

Terri Marin, Ora L. Strickland

Research output: Contribution to journalReview articlepeer-review

18 Scopus citations

Abstract

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a disease primarily of prematurity characterized by partial or entire gut necrosis and is associated with significant mortality and morbidity. Recent studies report that approximately 25% to 35% of very low-birth-weight infants less than 1500 g receiving packed red blood cell transfusions develop temporally associated NEC, known as transfusi on-related NEC (TR-NEC). Although there are many known risk factors for NEC, this article focuses on 3 contributing factors: packed red blood cell transfusions, enteral feedings, and gastrointestinal immaturity. Previous data suggest that these factors may interact to affect neonatal intestinal tissue oxygenation, which may lead to tissue ischemia, resulting in intestinal injury. This article presents a conceptual framework that combines current theoretical perspectives for TR-NEC, and reviews previous research examining related variables and how their interaction may increase the risk for TR-NEC development. In addition, incorporation of the proposed framework to guide future research and nursing care in this area is discussed.

Original languageEnglish (US)
Pages (from-to)166-174
Number of pages9
JournalAdvances in Neonatal Care
Volume13
Issue number3
DOIs
StatePublished - Jun 1 2013
Externally publishedYes

Keywords

  • Blood transfusions
  • Near-infrared spectroscopy
  • Perfusion
  • Premature infants
  • Transfusionrelated necrotizing enterocolitis

ASJC Scopus subject areas

  • Pediatrics, Perinatology, and Child Health

Fingerprint

Dive into the research topics of 'Transfusion-related necrotizing enterocolitis: A conceptual framework'. Together they form a unique fingerprint.

Cite this