When a baby is born, most of the hemoglobin is of fetal type. As the production of HgF falls off the formation of HbA gradually increases and is fully established in 6months. The fetal hemoglobin HbF accounts for up to 90-95% of the hemoglobin in preterm infant versus 65% to85% in term infants. Infants with a large amount of HbF have shorter RBC span, increased oxygen carrying capacity and affinity but decreased tissue oxygenation.
The P50 of HbF is only 18 mmHg compared to 26 mmHg of HbA. Blood transfusion is a valuable healthcare resource and the key to successful management of many infants and children suffering from anemia, hematological disorders, cancer or undergoing surgery. Sick and extremely low birth weight (ELBW) preterm infants who weigh 500 to 1000 gramm are among the most highly transfused groups of patients. Signs and symptoms: The newborn, in particular, the…
