Recombinant human erythropoietin in anemia of prematurity

Abstract

Objective: To evaluate safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO)in reducing the need for red cell transfusions in anemia of prematurity.

Methods: forty -two preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) were randomly assigned to a "treatment" group (r-HuEPO 400 units/kg every alternate day * 10 doses) or "no treatment" (control) group. All infants on enteral feeds received oral iron 3 mg/kg/day, graded up to 6 mg/kg/day.

Results: Higher reticulocyte counts in week 2 and 3 and higher hemoglobin levels in week 4 were noted after treatment with r-HuEPO. Despite stumulated erythropoiesis, the frequency of transfusions could not be reduced with r-HuEPO therapy.Overall, Phlebotomy losses, frequency and volume of redcell transfusions were significantly more in neonates with birthweight <1000 grams compared with those with birthweight >1000 grams (p<0.05). Associated side effects of r-HuEPO such as neutropenia,sepsis, hypertension or increased risk of late death did not occur.

Conclusion: r-HuEPO therapy was safe without any side effects. Inability of r-HuEPO therapy to minimize red cell transfusions for anemia of prematurity may be explained by a relatively strict red-cell transfusion policy and the desired degree of treatment effect.