LAUSR

AIM To estimate the blood level of Erythropoietin (EPO) in neonates with anemia of prematurity (APO) and in late hypo-regenerative anemia and to clarify role of EPO in correction of anemia and reducing the number of blood transfusions. METHODS This study was carried out on 80 neonates divided into; group I (30 preterm neonates) with AOP received EPO (250 IU/kg/dose subcutaneously 3 times weekly for 4 weeks), compared to group II (30 neonates) with AOP treated only with blood transfusion; Group III (10 neonates, GA ≥ 37 weeks) with late hypo-regenerative post haemolytic anemia, treated with the same dose of r-Hu EPO and compared to group IV (10 neonates) treated only with blood transfusion. Hematological measurements and transfusion requirements were followed during therapy. Serum level of EPO was measured by ELISA technique. RESULTS By the end of the 4th week of therapy, there was significant increase in group I post r-Hu EPO compared to group II regarding reticulocyte counts (P < 0.001) leading to rise of the Hb (P < 0.001), Hct levels (P < 0.001) with subsequent reduction in the overall number of blood transfusions (P < 0.001). There were significant higher levels of reticulocytes (P < 0.001), Hb (P < 0.001) and Hct (P < 0.001) values in group III post r-Hu EPO compared to group IV, while number of blood transfusions did not differ significantly among them (P = 1.0). CONCLUSION EPO therapy in conjunction with iron, vitamin E and folic acid, stimulated erythropoiesis and significantly reduced the need for blood transfusion in AOP and corrected late hypo-regenerative post hemolytic anemia.