The effects of recombinant human erythropoietin given immediately after delivery to women with anaemia.
OBJECTIVE
Anaemia is a common problem during pregnancy and the puerperium. This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of giving recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) to anaemic women during the puerperium.


METHODS
Thirty-seven women received a single dose of EPO (20 000 IU intravenously) immediately after delivery. A control population (n = 37) matched according to age and haemoglobin concentration was evaluated. All women received oral iron supplementation for 40 days after delivery. Haemoglobin concentrations were measured 4 and 40 days after delivery. Blood transfusions were given depending on clinical condition and haemoglobin level.


RESULTS
Patients treated with EPO had a significantly higher mean haemoglobin concentration than control patients at days 4 and 40. No women in the EPO group required a transfusion, compared with six in the control group. No side-effects and fewer anaemia-related symptoms were observed during EPO treatment.


CONCLUSIONS
EPO given at delivery is effective in decreasing the need for blood transfusion and the incidence of problems associated with anaemia during the puerperium.
Hatzis
T
T
Department of Hematology, 'Mitera' Maternity and Surgical Center, Athens, Greece.
Cardamakis
E
E
Tsapanos
V
V
Kourounis
G
G
Linardos
N
N
Mantouvalos
H
H
Tzingounis
V
V
D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000517:prevention & control*; D036861:Delivery, Obstetric; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007501:Iron / Q000627:therapeutic use; D011184:Postoperative Period; D049590:Postpartum Period; D011247:Pregnancy; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007501:Iron