Abstract 177

Background and aims: As an iron-mobilizing factor, EPO can prevent (Ped Res 40:381, 1996) oxygen radical injury, which may play a major role in the pathogenesis of diseases of premature infants. In this trial the safety and hematological effects of 2 different doses of EPO were studied in comparison to normal saline (NS).

Patients and methods: After written concent infants (BW 0.6-1.5kg, gestation <32wk) received either NS, EPO 125 IU or 250 IU/kg/day iv for days 0-6. Blood counts, reticulocytes, iron, transferrin, iron saturation, ferritin and transferrin receptors were analyzed on days 0,3,6,12, volumes of blood withdrawn and red cells (PRC) infused were analyzed on days 0-6, 7-13, 14-27.

Results: EPO had neither detectable side effects (hypertension, infections) nor suppressed trombocytes/leukocytes in peripheral blood. Of the evaluated parameters the following were significant: (Table)

Table 1 No caption available.
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Conclusion: In infants receiving EPO 250 IU/kg/d without iron supplementation there was a tendency towards activation of hematopoiesis without evidence of iron deficiency or significant side effects. A randomized double blind study is warranted.