Yeungnam Univ J Med.  1994 Jun;11(1):115-126. 10.12701/yujm.1994.11.1.115.

Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin in the Anemia of Prematurity : a Pilot Study

• Lee KA
• Shin SM
• Park YH
• Hah JO

• KMID: 2352271
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.12701/yujm.1994.11.1.115

Abstract

The recent availability of recombinant human erythropoietin has opened new perspectives in the management of a variety of anemias. Clinical trials have been initiated in several countries using different approaches and methodology. We randomly assigned twelve premature infants(gestational age < 32 week) at high risk of requiring erythrocyte transfusion for anemia of prematurity with either subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin or a placebo. Treatment with rHuEPO was initiated at a dose of 100 units/kg day for 3 days a week. All patients were given supplemental oral iron therapy at a dose of 3 mg/kg per day, as tolerated and oral vitamin E at a dose of 25 units per day. Treated and control babies did not differ with respect to weight, hematocrit, overall mean reticulocyte count or rate of growth respectively. However, reticulocyte counts increased earlier in patients given rHuEPO. We conclude that rHuEPO administration is safe and feasible at the dose studied.

MeSH Terms

Anemia*
Erythrocyte Transfusion
Erythropoietin*
Hematocrit
Humans*
Iron
Pilot Projects*
Reticulocyte Count
Vitamin E
Vitamins
Erythropoietin
Iron
Vitamin E
Vitamins