Blood transfusion showdown: can more red cells save preemie brains?

NCT ID NCT01702805

Completed Disease control Sponsor: NICHD Neonatal Research Network Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 2 times

Summary

This study looked at whether giving more red blood cell transfusions (liberal strategy) to extremely low birth weight babies (under 1000 grams) helps them survive without brain damage compared to a more restrictive approach. Over 1800 infants from NICUs were followed until 22-26 months of age. The goal was to see if higher hemoglobin levels improve survival and reduce neurodevelopmental problems like cerebral palsy or cognitive delays.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: Red blood cell transfusion
What this could lead to: If it works, this could help doctors decide the best transfusion strategy to improve survival and brain development in extremely premature babies.
What could go wrong: This trial is completed, but results may not apply to all hospitals or infants. Transfusions carry risks like infection or transfusion reactions.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

Get updates

Get notified about this study

Our safety recommendation!

By submitting, you agree to our Terms of use

Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

anemia bronchopulmonary dysplasia fetal growth restriction Infant, Newborn, Diseases perinatal disease

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

ANEMIA BRONCHOPULMONARY DYSPLASIA (BPD) INFANT, EXTREMELY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT INFANT, NEWBORN, DISEASES INFANT, SMALL FOR GESTATIONAL AGE

Contacts and locations

Locations

Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island

Providence, Rhode Island, 02905, United States
Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital

Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
Children's Mercy Hospital

Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, United States
Cincinnati Children's Medical Center

Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, United States
Duke University

Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
Emory University

Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States
Indiana University

Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
RTI International

Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital

Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States
Stanford University

Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
Univeristy of Pennsylvania

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
University of Alabama at Birmingham

Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
University of California - Los Angeles

Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States
University of Iowa

Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
University of Rochester

Rochester, New York, 14642, United States
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston

Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas

Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States
University of Utah

Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
Wayne State University

Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.