title: Epoetin beta: new indication. Preparation for IV-SC injection: erythrocyte growth factor.
abstract: According to an unreliable meta-analysis, epoetin beta reduces the number of premature neonates needing transfusions for anaemia by 18% on average.  When such children do require transfusions, two comparative trials have shown a reduction in the frequency of transfusions and total volume of blood transfused, but the clinical consequences were not studied.  Thus clinical experience to date is too limited to rule out a risk of possibly severe adverse events.  Furthermore, prescription of epoetin beta must be accompanied by iron supplementation, whose optimal dose and route of administration have not been established.  The cost-benefit ratio of epoetin beta in the prevention of anaemia in premature infants must be thoroughly assessed in the context of national health systems.
mesh_terms: D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000517:prevention & control*; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D002986:Clinical Trials as Topic; D003362:Cost-Benefit Analysis; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005602:France; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D007239:Infections / Q000139:chemically induced; D000090463:Iron Deficiencies; D019266:Iron, Dietary; D015201:Meta-Analysis as Topic; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D019266:Iron, Dietary; D004921:Erythropoietin