FUT 2 polymorphism and outcome in very-low-birth-weight infants

BACKGROUND: To determine whether the secretor gene fucosyltransferase (FUT)2 polymorphism G428A is predictive for adverse outcomes in a large cohort of very-low-birth weight (VLBW) infants. METHODS: We prospectively enrolled 2,406 VLBW infants from the population-based multicenter cohort of the German Neonatal network cohort (2009-2011). The secretor genotype (rs601338) was assessed from DNA samples extracted from buccal swabs. Primary study outcomes were clinical sepsis, blood-culture confirmed sepsis, intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) or focal intestinal perforation requiring surgery, and death. RESULTS: Based on the assumption of a recessive genetic model, AA individuals had a higher incidence of ICH (AA: 19.0% vs. GG/AG: 14.9%, P = 0.04) which was not significant in the additive genetic model (muitivariable logistic regression analysis; allele carriers: 365 cases, 1,685 controls; OR: 1.2; 95% CI: 0.99-1.4; P = 0.06). Other outcomes were not influenced by FUT2 genotype in either genetic model. CONCLUSION: This large-scale multicenter study did not confirm previously reported associations between FUT2 genotype and adverse outcomes in preterm infants

Research briefings: the 'Effects of transfusion thresholds on neurocognitive outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study: background, aims, and study protocol

Background: Infants with extremely low birth weight uniformly develop anemia of prematurity and frequently require red blood cell transfusions (RBCTs). Although RBCT is widely practiced, the indications remain controversial in the absence of conclusive data on the long-term effects of RBCT. Objectives: To summarize the current equipoise and to outline the study protocol of the 'Effects of Transfusion Thresholds on Neurocognitive Outcome of extremely low birth-weight infants (ETTNO)' study. Methods: Review of the literature and design of a large pragmatic randomized controlled trial of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines enrolling 920 infants with birth weights of 400-999 g with long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up. Results and Conclusions: The results of ETTNO will provide definite data about the efficacy and safety of restrictive versus liberal RBCT guidelines in very preterm infants