Cord blood transfusions in extremely low gestational age neonates to reduce severe retinopathy of prematurity: results of a prespecified interim analysis of the randomized BORN trial.

Summary

Reports a prespecified interim analysis of the BORN multicentre double-blinded randomised trial comparing cord blood-derived red cell transfusions with adult donor red cells in neonates born at 24 to 27+6 weeks' gestation. The interim analysis of 58 infants focused on safety, finding similar adverse event incidence between arms, with no difference in severe ROP by intention to treat. Per-protocol analysis suggested adult red cell transfusions carried higher risk of severe ROP and some adverse events, and that early fetal haemoglobin decline before 30 weeks PMA may be critical. The authors conclude cord blood transfusion appears safe and might protect against severe ROP if adopted early.

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