Recombinant human erythropoietin therapy for treatment of anemia of prematurity in very low birth weight infants: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.
OBJECTIVE
To evaluate the efficacy and safety of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in very low birth weight infants with anemia of prematurity.


METHODS
Thirty infants were randomly assigned to receive either rHuEPO (300 U/kg per dose) or placebo twice a week. Hematologic parameters, transfusion requirements, caloric intake, and growth were monitored.


RESULTS
The number and volume of erythrocyte transfusions were significantly lower in infants treated with rHuEPO. Serum ferritin levels, similar in both groups at study entry, fell and were significantly lower in rHuEPO-group infants at the completion of the study. An inverse correlation was observed between reticulocyte count and absolute neutrophil count both at entry and at completion of the study.


CONCLUSIONS
Twice-a-week administration of rHuEPO significantly reduces the need for erythrocyte transfusion in very low birth weight infants in stable condition. A significant decrease in serum ferritin levels in infants receiving rHuEPO suggests the need to determine the optimal dose of iron supplementation in these infants.
Kumar
P
P
Department of Pediatrics, Hutzel Hospital, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, Mich., USA.
Shankaran
S
S
Krishnan
R G
RG
D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000628:therapy*; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007230:Infant, Low Birth Weight; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D008297:Male; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000473:pathology; D010919:Placebos; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017701:Reticulocyte Count
D010919:Placebos; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D005293:Ferritins