Critically ill preterm infants experience in the first 1-2 weeks after birth daily blood losses that may equal 5-10% of their total blood volume. Such losses and associated anemia typically result in multiple erythrocyte transfusions. This iatrogenic anemia commonly is followed by the anemia of prematurity, prompting additional transfusions.~This study tested the safety and efficacy of transfusing erythropoietin (Epo) and iron in infants of <1,250g birth weight. For infants 401-1,000g birth weight (Trial 1), we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the number of transfusions received. For infants 1,001-1,250g birth weight (Trial 2), we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the percentage of infants who received any transfusions.~Therapy was initiated by day of life 4 and continued through the 35th postmenstrual week. Infants were randomized to receive either Epo and iron therapy or a sham procedure. Treated infants received 400 U/kg Epo 3 times weekly and a weekly intravenous infusion of 5 mg/kg iron dextran until they had an enteral intake of 60 mL/kg/d. Infants in the placebo/control group received sham subcutaneous injections when intravenous access was not available. Complete blood and reticulocyte counts were measured weekly, and ferritin concentrations were measured monthly.~Transfusions were administered according to protocol. Infants did not receive a transfusion solely to replace blood lost through phlebotomy. Infants who met transfusion criteria received a transfusion of 15 mL/kg packed red blood cells (PRBC) for a hematocrit of >25% or 20 mL/kg PRBC for a hematocrit of <=25%. Blood losses and transfusion data were recorded.~Trial 2 was terminated after enrollment of 118 infants after the Data and Safety Monitoring Committee reviewed the final results of Trial 1 and preliminary results of Trial 2. On the basis of these data, the Committee concluded that it was statistically unlikely that Trial 2 would demonstrate a significant decrease in the percentage of infants who would receive a transfusion during the study.
This study tested the safety and efficacy of transfusing erythropoietin (Epo) and iron in infants of <1,250g birth weight. For infants 401-1,000g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the number of transfusions received. For infants 1,001-1,250g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the percentage of infants who received any transfusions.