Effect of hemoglobin on transfusion and neonatal adaptation in extremely low-birthweight infants

Background: The aim of the present paper was to investigate the effect of initial hemoglobin level on red blood cell transfusion and neonatal adaptation in extremely low-birthweight (ELBW) infants. Methods: Subjects consisted of 54 ELBW infants admitted to level III neonatal intensive care unit between 1995 and 2000, and divided into two groups based on hemoglobin level at birth. High hemoglobin was defined as hemoglobin ≥15.0 g/dL. Results: There were no significant differences in gestational age and birthweight between the high hemoglobin group (n = 28) and low hemoglobin group (n = 26). The high hemoglobin group had decreased probability of requiring red blood cell transfusion (P