Recombinant human erythropoietin treatment of postpartum anemia. Preliminary results

Abstract

Objectives: The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in postpartum anemia.

Study design: At the University Hospital of Ioannina, rHuEpo was administrated subcutaneously to twenty anemic women (hemoglobin [Hb]<10 g/dl), for 15 days following delivery; all were given iron and folic acid per os. Twenty other women (the control group) with postpartum anemia (Hb<10 g/dl), received only iron and folic acid. The Mann-Whitney U-test was used for the comparison of hematological indices between the two groups, on days 1, 3, 5, 10, 15 and 40 postdelivery.

Results: On day 3, reticulocyte counts were significantly higher in the women who received rHuEpo, as compared to the controls (P<0.05). The mean Hb value increased to >2 g/dl in the group undergoing rHuEpo therapy as compared to 0.7 g/dl in the control group on day 5 (P<0.05). Furthermore, two women in the control group required blood transfusions, while no transfusions were required by the rHuEpo group.

Conclusions: rHuEpo administration is useful for a more rapid amelioration of hematological indices in women with postpartum anemia. Further, the dose given in this study was not associated with significant side-effects.