THE USE OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN ERYTHROPOIETIN IN THE TREATMENT OF
ANEMIA OF PREMATURITY
Chrzastek-Spruch H, Wojcik-Skierucha E, Polkowska G, Spruch-Stepnik A
Department of
Paediatrics, Medical University School of Lublin, Poland
Objective: Aim of the study was to evaluate influence of recombinant human
eryrthropoietin (rhEPO) treatment on parameters of erythrocytic
system in peripheral blood, iron concentration. And unsatureated iron bind
capacity (UIBC) in prematurely born children with anemia (anemia of
prematurity; AOP), as well as on transfusion requirements in children with
AOP.
Methods:
Twenty-four children with
AOP were hospitalised during 1 year, with no signs of infection and without
any form of oxygen therapy, were investigated. The rhEPO (Recormon, Boehringer Mannheim, G) was administered
subcutaneously 700 U/kg/week, in two doses. Changes of hemoglobin (Hb),
hematocrit (Ht), red blood cells (RBC), reticulocytes, iron concentration,
and UIBC following consecutive doses of rhEPO were recorded. The rhEPO had
been discontinued when Hb was above 10g/dl and Ht above 30%. Quantity of
supplementary transfusions in children with AOP was assessed during 1 year prior to introduction of rhEPO
therapy, and was compared to the
year when rhEPO had been applied.
Results: In over 50% of children
satisfactory improvement of erythrocytic picture was achieved after
administration of 4 – 7 doses of rhEPO. In the year prior to introduction
of rhEPO therapy, 87.3% of children with AOP required supplementary
transfusions, while only 12.5% when rhEPO was applied.
Conclusions: 1. The rhEPO is the
drug of choice in the treatment of anemia of prematurity. 2. Therapeutic
use of rhEPO markedly diminished
quantity of supplementary transfusions in children with AOP.