{Reference Type}: Journal Article
{Title}: Efficacy of recombinant erythropoietin for the late treatment of anemia of prematurity in a level IV neonatal intensive care unit: a retrospective single-center cohort study.
{Author}: Connolly JM;McClary JD;Desai R;Sundaram A;Neudecker M;Nock ML;Ryan RM;Marasch JL;
{Journal}: J Perinatol
{Volume}: 44
{Issue}: 6
{Year}: 2024 Jun 21
{Factor}: 3.225
{DOI}: 10.1038/s41372-024-02001-6
{Abstract}: <B>OBJECTIVE: </B>To describe the population to which we administered recombinant erythropoietin and to determine the effectiveness of this treatment as quantified by the change in hematocrit.<BR><B>METHODS: </B>This retrospective chart review study included infants who received erythropoietin for the treatment of anemia of prematurity.<BR><B>RESULTS: </B>There were 132 infants representing 162 unique treatment courses included in the study. The average duration of therapy was 9 days (±7) and 6 doses (±2). The average change in hematocrit (Hct) was 6.2% (SD 3.9%, p < 0.001). Rise in Hct was associated with a higher number of rEPO doses (p < 0.001) and higher postmenstrual age (p < 0.001). In our small cohort we did not find an association between the number of rEPO doses and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) requiring treatment.<BR><B>CONCLUSIONS: </B>Erythropoietin is safe and effective at treating anemia of prematurity as evidenced by a clinically and statistically significant increase in Hct from baseline.