Clinical Research Directory

Heterologous Cord Blood-Derived Red Blood Cell for Transfusion in Extremely Preterm Infants

Anemia is a condition in which there are not enough red blood cells to carry oxygen throughout the body. It is very common in extremely preterm infants (born before 28 weeks of pregnancy), and many of these babies require red blood cell transfusions during their hospital stay. Currently, transfusions are given using red blood cells donated by adults. An alternative option is to use red blood cells collected from umbilical cord blood, which may be more similar to a newborn's own blood. This approach has been used in some neonatal units with encouraging results and no reported safety concerns. This study aims to determine whether transfusion with umbilical cord blood improves clinical outcomes and reduces potential side effects compared to standard adult donor blood transfusion in extremely preterm infants. We hypothesize that umbilical cord blood transfusion will be at least as safe as adult donor blood and may provide clinical benefits. About 115 extremely preterm infants admitted to neonatal units in Catalonia will participate. If parents agree, their baby will be randomly assigned to receive either compatible umbilical cord blood or compatible adult donor blood if a transfusion becomes necessary. Babies will only receive a transfusion if they clinically need one. If cord blood is not available at the time of transfusion, the baby will receive compatible adult donor blood regardless of the assigned group. To evaluate the response to treatment, small blood samples will be collected at birth, at one month of life, and 24 hours after any transfusion. These samples are taken at the same times as routine blood tests, so participation does not require additional needle sticks. The amount of blood collected is minimal (about 0.2 mL per sample). In addition, a painless and non-invasive sensor will be placed on the baby's head for 24 hours to measure oxygen delivery to the brain. Urine samples will also be collected before and after transfusion to help assess how oxygen reaches body tissues. Participation will continue until the baby reaches 36 weeks of postmenstrual age or is discharged from the hospital, whichever comes first.

Effect of Delivery Time on Umbilical Cord Blood Gas Parameters in Cesarean Sections Under General and Spinal Anesthesia

The goal of this observational study is to evaluate the effect of neonatal delivery time on umbilical cord blood gas parameters in pregnant women undergoing elective cesarean section under general or spinal anesthesia. The study population consists of adult pregnant women aged 18-40 years with singleton term pregnancies scheduled for elective cesarean delivery. The main questions it aims to answer are: Is neonatal delivery time associated with changes in umbilical artery pH values under general and spinal anesthesia? Is neonatal delivery time associated with changes in umbilical artery base excess under general and spinal anesthesia? Researchers will compare cesarean sections performed under general anesthesia with those performed under spinal anesthesia to determine whether the relationship between delivery time and umbilical cord blood gas parameters differs between anesthesia techniques. Participants will: Undergo elective cesarean delivery under general or spinal anesthesia as part of routine clinical care Have neonatal delivery time recorded intraoperatively Have umbilical artery blood gas parameters (pH and base excess) measured immediately after birth as part of standard neonatal assessment