title: Neuroprotective effects of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in term and preterm neonates.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  The use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) such as erythropoietin and darbepoetin in preterm and term infants has been studied for over 20 years. Recent investigations have explored the potential neuroprotective effects of ESAs. We review the recent clinical trials and experimental animal models that provide evidence in support of using ESA to improve the neurodevelopmental outcomes in term and preterm infants.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Continued work using animal models have confirmed the neuroprotective properties of ESAs, including promotion of oligodendrocyte development in the face of neuronal injury. Clinical studies in term and preterm infants have reported the neuroprotective effects following ESA administration, and improved neurodevelopmental outcomes have been reported in the studies of preterm infants.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  ESAs show great promise in preventing and treating brain injury in term and preterm infants.
authors.affiliation: Division of Neonatology, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, New Mexico, USA.
authors.forename: Amber M
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Messier
authors.forename: Robin K
authors.initials: RK
authors.lastname: Ohls
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D002657:Child Development; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D020925:Hypoxia-Ischemia, Brain / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D018696:Neuroprotective Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068256:Darbepoetin alfa