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Randomized Controlled Trial
. 2009 Aug;44(8):1540-5.
doi: 10.1016/j.jpedsurg.2008.10.112.

Erythropoietin increases reticulocyte counts and maintains hematocrit in neonates requiring surgery

Ryann Bierer  1 , Mahshid Roohi, Connie Peceny, Robin K Ohls
Affiliations
Randomized Controlled Trial

Erythropoietin increases reticulocyte counts and maintains hematocrit in neonates requiring surgery

Ryann Bierer et al. J Pediatr Surg. 2009 Aug.

Abstract

Background: Limited erythropoietin (Epo) production diminishes neonates' ability to regenerate blood removed by phlebotomy. Neonates requiring surgery are at risk to receive multiple transfusions. We sought to determine if recombinant Epo administration to neonates requiring surgery would stimulate erythropoiesis.

Methods: Infants were randomized in double-masked fashion to receive Epo (200 units kg(-1) d(-1)) or placebo for 14 days. Complete blood count, absolute reticulocyte count (ARC), phlebotomy losses, and transfusions were measured during the study period. Infants were transfused using a strict transfusion protocol.

Results: In the Epo group (n = 10, 2034 +/- 308 g, 8 +/- 2 days old; mean +/- SEM), ARC increased significantly, whereas in the placebo group (n = 10, 2400 +/- 184 g, 7 +/- 2 days old), ARC remained low. Hematocrits in the Epo group trended upward from 34.4 1.7% to 37.3 1.9% (although not statistically significant) despite phlebotomy losses of 53 +/- 12 mL/kg. Hematocrits in the placebo group were 35.9 1.8% and 33.2 1.6% on days 1 and 15, respectively, with phlebotomy losses of 27 +/- 5 mL/kg. There were no differences in absolute neutrophil counts or platelet counts between groups at the end of the study. No adverse effects were noted.

Conclusions: Infants randomized to Epo increased reticulocyte counts and hematocrits without adverse effects. Erythropoietin administration may provide an adjunct to present care in decreasing or eliminating erythrocyte transfusions in surgical neonates.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Absolute reticulocyte counts (ARC) in neonates receiving Epo (grey columns) or placebo (white columns) during the 2-week study period. Values are shown as mean ± SE. ARC was significantly increased from day 1 to day 8 and 15 in the EPO group, but did not increase in the placebo group. *P < .05, EPO versus placebo day 8 and day 15; ‡P < .05, Epo at day 8 and 15 versus baseline.
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Hematocrit (Hct) in neonates receiving Epo (grey columns) or placebo (white columns) during the 2-week study period. Values are shown as mean ± SE. There was no statistical difference between study groups in Hct and no statistical change in Hct occurrec during the 2-week study period.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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