Blood transfusion showdown: can more red cells save preemie brains?
NCT ID NCT01702805
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.
Disclaimer
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This is a summary of
the original study
.
Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
This is a summary of the original study . Summaries may miss details or leave out important information. Before applying or accepting participation, make sure you have read and understood the full study. Curemydisease.com takes no responsibility whatsoever for anything missed, misunderstood, or acted upon as a result of our summary — we know it does not capture everything.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
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Locations
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Brown University, Women & Infants Hospital of Rhode Island
Providence, Rhode Island, 02905, United States
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Case Western Reserve University, Rainbow Babies and Children's Hospital
Cleveland, Ohio, 44106, United States
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Children's Mercy Hospital
Kansas City, Missouri, 64108, United States
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Cincinnati Children's Medical Center
Cincinnati, Ohio, 45267, United States
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Duke University
Durham, North Carolina, 27710, United States
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Emory University
Atlanta, Georgia, 30303, United States
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Indiana University
Indianapolis, Indiana, 46202, United States
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RTI International
Durham, North Carolina, 27705, United States
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Research Institute at Nationwide Children's Hospital
Columbus, Ohio, 43205, United States
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Stanford University
Palo Alto, California, 94304, United States
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Univeristy of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 19104, United States
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University of Alabama at Birmingham
Birmingham, Alabama, 35233, United States
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University of California - Los Angeles
Los Angeles, California, 90025, United States
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University of Iowa
Iowa City, Iowa, 52242, United States
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University of New Mexico
Albuquerque, New Mexico, 87131, United States
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University of Rochester
Rochester, New York, 14642, United States
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University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston
Houston, Texas, 77030, United States
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University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas
Dallas, Texas, 75235, United States
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University of Utah
Salt Lake City, Utah, 84108, United States
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Wayne State University
Detroit, Michigan, 48201, United States