Background
Erythropoietin (Epo) increases and maintains hematocrit using once weekly dosing in adults with anemia due to end stage renal disease. Epo is used in preterm infants to treat the anemia of prematurity, but has not been studied using once weekly dosing, a schedule which might offer neuroprotection in addition to increasing red cell mass. We compared reticulocyte responses of once weekly Epo dosing with thrice weekly dosing in preterm infants.
Methods
Infants ≤1,500 grams and ≥7 days of age were randomized to once weekly Epo, 1,200 units/kg/dose, or thrice weekly Epo, 400 units/kg/dose, subcutaneously for 4 weeks, along with iron and vitamin supplementation. Complete blood counts, absolute reticulocyte counts (ARC), transfusions, phlebotomy losses, and adverse events were recorded.
Results
Twenty preterm infants (962±55 grams, 27.9±0.4 weeks, 17±3 days of age) were enrolled. Groups were similar at baseline. Infants in both groups increased ARC (p<0.01, thrice weekly Epo group). ARC were similar between treatment groups at the start and end of 4 weeks. Hematocrit remained stable, and similar numbers of transfusions were administered. No adverse effects of either dosing schedule were noted.
Conclusions
Preterm infants respond to weekly Epo by increasing ARC and maintaining hematocrit. We speculate that once weekly Epo dosing might be beneficial to preterm infants requiring increased erythropoiesis.