Abstract
We investigated whether preventative treatment with higher doses of EPO in the premature neonates is safe and reduces the need for transfusion. 20 infants were randomized to an EPO (n:12.BW:1176 ± 234g.GA:28,2 ± 2,2w) and a control group (n: 8. BW: 1232 ±239g, GA: 29,3±1,6w). EPO 150U/kg was given s.c. every 3rd day for 6w early from the 1st w of life and iron 3mg/kg/d from day 14. The 2 groups were similar (BW.GA, clinical status). During the 6 w of therapy with EPO, there were no differences between control and EPO groups in Ht, Hb, total leukocytes, neutrofils, HbF, transfusion requirements, mortality or morbitidy. Reticulocytes and thrombocytes were increased from the 3rd w and serum ferritin decreased from the 6th w of EPO treatment compared to control group (table).
In conclusion EPO administration of 300 U/kg/w appears to be safe. However, although the need for transfusion was not reduced the reticulocyte production was significantly increased.
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Soubasi, V., Kremenopoulos, G., Tsantali, C. et al. 106 EFFECT OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN ERYTHROROIETIN (EPO) IN PREMATURE NEONATES: PRELIMINARY RESULTS OF A DOUBLE BLIND CONTROL TRIAL. Pediatr Res 30, 645 (1991). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199112000-00136
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199112000-00136