Description

Concerns over the relationship between red blood cell transfusion and necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) have resulted in a variety of alterations in feeding practices. Current knowledge about the relationship between transfusion and NEC are discussed along with what's known and what's practical for feeding the preterm infant in such circumstances. 

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize available information regarding the risk of transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis.
• Identify proposed etiologies for transfusion-associated necrotizing enterocolitis.
• List strategies to reduce the risk of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Speaker(s):

• Brian Barkemeyer, MD, Professor and Vice Chair of Pediatrics, Division Head Neonatology, Medical Director NICU, Louisiana State University Health Sciences CenterChildren's Hospital of New Orleans