Abstract
The anaemias of prematurity are characterized by inadequate erythropoietin response and require frequent transfusions. Methods: In a 12 centre blinded trial, VLBW infants were randomized into rhEPO (n = 120) or control group (n = 121) on day 3 of life. Blinding was ensured by two independent teams in each centre. rhEPO was given 3 × 250 IU/kg/week s.c. from day 3 to day 42 of life (17 single doses). Oral iron started in both groups on day 14 with 2 mg/day and was adjusted according to serum ferritin levels. Results: Reticulocyte (%) and neutrophil counts (×109/l) at start and end of the study period were (mean ± SD):
Of 177 infants completing the study period, 40 (47%) infants in the rhEPO and 24 (26%) in the control group remained without any transfusion from day 3 to 42 (p<0.01). Median cumulated volume of transfused red cells (ml per kg and day) was 0.27 in the rhEPO and 0.47 in the control group (p<0.05).
Conclusion: rhEPO, given in a dose of 750 IU/kg/week from day 3 of life, effectively reduces the need for transfusion in VLBW infants.
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Maier, R., Obladen, M., Scigalla, P. et al. RECOMBINANT ERYTHROPOIETIN (rhEPO) REDUCES THE NEED FOR TRANSFUSION IN VERY LOW BIRTH WEIGHT(VLBW) INFANTS. Pediatr Res 35, 280 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00154
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-199402000-00154