International Trial of Withholding vs Continuing Enteral Feeds Around Blood Transfusion to Prevent Necrotizing Enterocolitis in Preterm Infants Born Before 30 Weeks

What this Trial Is About

The trial investigates whether stopping or continuing milk feeding around the time of blood transfusion in very premature infants born before 30 weeks gestation affects the risk of developing Necrotizing Enterocolitis NEC, a serious intestinal disease. NEC can cause severe damage or death in preterm infants, and this study aims to find out which feeding approach during transfusion may reduce this risk. The trial is conducted in neonatal intensive care units across Canada and the UK and compares two standard care methods currently in use. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups one group will stop all enteral feeds for 4 hours before, during, and 4 hours after packed red cell transfusions, with hydration maintained by intravenous nutrition or glucose the other group will continue feeding as usual throughout the transfusion period. Infants stay in their assigned feeding group until they reach 34 weeks and 6 days gestational age. This approach follows practices identified as acceptable in prior surveys and studies. During the study, infants will be closely monitored for the development of NEC and other health outcomes from randomization until 40 weeks postmenstrual age. Researchers will track serious complications like severe NEC, infections, growth, lung disease, eye problems, brain injury, and hospital stay duration. The study collects detailed information about feeding, infections, nutrition, and clinical status to evaluate the safety and effects of each feeding strategy during transfusion.

WithHolding Enteral Feeds Around Blood Transfusion (International)