title: Erythropoietin for infants with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Perinatal asphyxia, intraventricular hemorrhage and stroke are common causes of neonatal brain injury, with hypoxia-ischemia as the final common pathway of injury. Erythropoietin (Epo) has potential to lessen neurologic sequelae due to hypoxia-ischemia. The purpose of this review is to highlight new clinical trials and experimental evidence that expand our understanding of Epo as a potential treatment for perinatal brain injury.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Several trials of Epo treatment are reviewed: two phase I/II trials of high-dose Epo given to preterm infants established pharmacokinetic and safety profiles, and a trial of Epo treatment for term infants with moderate hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy found reduced disability. Potential risks and benefits of high-dose Epo are discussed. New evidence related to Epo receptor expression, signal transduction pathways, and mechanisms of neuroprotection are reviewed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Cautious optimism is warranted regarding the use of high-dose Epo as a treatment option for neonatal brain injury. To date, Epo has been well tolerated to use in neonatal populations and now studies of neuroprotective efficacy are underway.
authors.affiliation: Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle, USA.
authors.forename: Ronald J
authors.initials: RJ
authors.lastname: McPherson
authors.forename: Sandra E
authors.initials: SE
authors.lastname: Juul
mesh_terms: D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000188:drug therapy*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature
chemical_list: D004921:Erythropoietin