Using umbilical cord blood for transfusions in preterm infants

Safety, Feasibility and Efficacy of Red Blood Cells From Umbilical Cord Blood for Transfusion of Extremely Preterm Infants: Clinical Phase

Not applicable Interventional Hospital Clinic of Barcelona · NCT05612919

This study is testing if using red blood cells from umbilical cord blood can safely help extremely preterm infants with anemia feel better compared to traditional blood from adult donors.

Quick facts

PhaseNot applicable
Study typeInterventional
Enrollment30 (estimated)
AgesN/A to 12 Weeks
SexAll
SponsorHospital Clinic of Barcelona Academic / other
Locations1 site (Barcelona)
Trial IDNCT05612919 on ClinicalTrials.gov

What this trial studies

This study aims to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of red blood cells derived from umbilical cord blood (UCB-RBC) for transfusions in extremely preterm infants (EPI) suffering from anemia of prematurity. The research compares UCB-RBC transfusions to traditional red blood cells from adult donors, focusing on potential complications associated with adult blood transfusions, such as retinopathy of prematurity and bronchopulmonary dysplasia. The study will involve preterm infants born before 28 weeks of gestation, and it will assess both the feasibility and efficacy of using UCB-RBC as a safer alternative. The goal is to demonstrate that UCB-RBC is a viable option for treating anemia in this vulnerable population.

Who should consider this trial

Good fit: Ideal candidates for this study are preterm infants born earlier than 28 weeks of gestational age who are admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit.

Not a fit: Patients who have had previous transfusions, major congenital malformations, or are in extreme urgency for blood availability may not benefit from this study.

Why it matters

Potential benefit: If successful, this approach could provide a safer transfusion option for extremely preterm infants, potentially reducing the risk of complications associated with adult blood transfusions.

How similar studies have performed: Previous studies have shown that UCB-RBC transfusions in preterm infants do not carry a higher risk of complications compared to adult blood transfusions, indicating a promising avenue for further exploration.

Eligibility criteria

Show full inclusion / exclusion criteria
Inclusion Criteria:

* Signed informed consent from parents or legal guardians
* Preterm infants born earlier than 28 weeks of gestational age.
* Admission to the neonatal intensive care unit of the participating hospital (Hospital Clínic of Barcelona)

Exclusion Criteria:

* Previous transfusion
* Isoimmunization
* Hydrops fetalis
* Major congenital malformations
* Congenital infections
* Hemoglobinopathies
* Extreme urgency of blood availability (hypovolemic shock, disseminated intravascular coagulopathy...)
* Be part of another clinical trial that may interfere with the results

Where this trial is running

Barcelona

Study contacts

How to participate

  1. Review the eligibility criteria above with your treating physician.
  2. Visit the official trial page on ClinicalTrials.gov for the most current contact information and recruitment status.
  3. Contact the listed study coordinator or principal investigator to request pre-screening. Pre-screening is free and never obligates you to enroll.
Conditions Infant, Extremely PrematureErythrocyte TransfusionUmbilical Cord IssueAnaemia of prematurityExtremely preterm infantsUmbilical cord bloodBlood bankFetal hemoglobin
Last reviewed 2026-06-13 by the Find a Trial editorial team. Information on this page is for educational purposes and is not medical advice. Always consult qualified healthcare professionals about clinical trial participation.