Comparison of Oral Recombinant Erythropoietin and Subcutaneous Recombinant Erythropoietin in Prevention of Anemia of Prematurity

Background Premature neonates are at risk for severe anemia and erythropoietin is the most important hormone in erythropoiesis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of oral recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) in proving erythropoiesis in neonates. Methods This was a randomized clinical trial study. Thirty neonates were enrolled from September 2007 to September 2008. The first group received oral rhEPO and Fe and the second, subcutaneous rhEPO and Fe. The patients’ Hb, HCT and the need to blood transfusion were recorded. We included all infants with gestational age <34 weeks, birth weight <1500 gr, without respiratory distress (O2 Saturation> 85%, FiO2 of 30%), full feeding tolerance so that oral Fe can be administrated. Results In first group (oral=PO), 65% of neonates were female and 35% were male, mean weight was 1140 g and mean GA was 32.6 weeks. In the second group (subcutaneous=SC), 42% were female and 58% were male. The mean weight was 1245 g and mean GA was 31.2 weeks and this was not statistically significant. In the first group, the mean Hb and HCT were 9.7±1.9 and 29.6±5.9 g/dl. In the second group, the figures were 12.5±1.7 and 38.8±5.1 which were statistically significant. There was no difference in the weight gain between two groups. In the first group, 3 neonates (20%) and in the second one, 1 neonate (15%) needed blood transfusion. Conclusions rhEPO administration either PO or SC could prevent anemia of prematurity but SC rout was more effective.