WithHolding Enteral Feeds Around Blood Transfusion (International)

Necrotising enterocolitis (NEC) is a very serious and sometimes life-threatening gut problem that mostly affects premature babies. It happens when harmful bacteria invade the wall of the baby's intestine, causing inflammation and damage. Even though it's rare, it can lead to severe health problems and even death in very premature babies. Doctors and researchers are actively looking for ways to prevent NEC, as survivors can often face long-term health and developmental challenges.

We know that many premature babies, especially those born very early, need blood transfusions. There's been a suggestion that NEC might sometimes develop after a blood transfusion. Because of this, some doctors wonder if pausing milk feeds for a short time around a transfusion could help reduce the risk of NEC. However, we don't have enough clear evidence yet to say for sure what the best approach is.

This study, called WHEAT International, aims to provide that clear evidence. We want to compare two different ways of feeding premature babies during blood transfusions. One group of babies will have their milk feeds stopped for a few hours before, during, and after their transfusion. Another group will continue to receive their milk feeds as normal throughout the transfusion. Both of these approaches are currently used in hospitals. By comparing them, we hope to learn if one method is more effective at preventing NEC without causing other problems.