Absorption of enteral recombinant human erythropoietin by neonates.
BACKGROUND
Erythropoietin (EPO) is present in amniotic fluid, colostrum, and human milk. One possible function of ingested EPO might be to stimulate erythropoiesis. However, it is unclear whether human neonates absorb recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) after oral administration.


OBJECTIVE
To determine whether circulating EPO concentrations increase following enteral administration of rhEPO to neonates.


METHODS
The study was designed as a 2-center prospective, blinded, randomized, 2 x 2 crossover study, with each infant receiving 1 dose of rhEPO 1000 units/kg and 1 dose of placebo. Serum EPO concentrations were measured at baseline, 2, and 4 hours following study drug administration. The rhEPO and placebo dosing were separated by a mean of 72 hours. Analysis was stratified by gestational age (< or =35 wk, >35 wk) and feeding type (human milk, infant formula).


RESULTS
No significant change in serum EPO concentration was identified at 2 or 4 hours following enteral administration of rhEPO.


CONCLUSIONS
Enteral administration of a large dose of rhEPO to neonates <4 months of age did not result in increased circulating EPO concentrations at 2 or 4 hours following dosing, regardless of whether it was administered in human milk or infant formula.
Juul
Sandra E
SE
Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, WA 98195-6320, USA. sjuul@u.washington.edu
Christensen
Robert D
RD
D000704:Analysis of Variance; D018592:Cross-Over Studies; D004750:Enteral Nutrition / Q000379:methods; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood* / Q000493:pharmacokinetics; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007225:Infant Food; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007408:Intestinal Absorption / Q000502:physiology*; D008895:Milk, Human / Q000378:metabolism*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011446:Prospective Studies; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin