The use of recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of anaemia of prematurity.
Anaemia of prematurity (AOP) is caused by a deficiency of erythropoietin, which stimulates differentiation, and growth of erythroid progenitors. The previous standard of therapy of AOP was erythrocyte transfusions. Following successful clinical trials using recombinant human eryrthropoietin (rHuEpo) to treat adults, the rHuEpo has been used to prevent and treat anaemia in preterm infants. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of rHuEpo treatment on parameters of the erythrocytic system in peripheral blood, iron concentration, and unsaturated iron bind capacity (UIBC), as well as on erythrocyte transfusion requirements, in preterm infants with AOP, having no infection and not receiving oxygen support. Twenty-four children with AOP, that were hospitalized during one year, with no signs of infection and without any form of oxygen therapy, were investigated. The rHuEpo was administered subcutaneously 700 U/kg/week, in two doses. Infants: also received oral iron. The percentage of children with AOP treated by supplementary transfusions was compared in two one-year periods, before and after the introduction of rHuEpo therapy. In over 50% of children, satisfactory improvement of erythrocytic picture was achieved after administration of 4-7 doses of rHuEpo. In the year prior to the introduction of rHuEpo therapy, 91% of children with AOP required supplementary red cells transfusions, while only 13% when rHuEpo was applied.


CONCLUSIONS
The rHuEpo is the drug of choice in the treatment of anaemia of prematurity. Therapeutic use of rHuEpo markedly diminished quantity of supplementary transfusions in children with AOP.
Polkowska
Grazyna
G
Department of Neonatal Pathology, Infants, and Cardiology, Skubiszewski Medical University of Lublin.
Wójcik-Skierucha
Elzbieta
E
Furmaga-Jabłońska
Wanda
W
D000751:Anemia, Neonatal / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy*; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007501:Iron / Q000097:blood; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007501:Iron