ABSTRACT
Erythropoietin [Epo] is an essential hormone for erythropoiesis. Parenterral recombinant erythropoietin [rEpo] is effective for prevention of anemia of prematurity [AOP]. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of enteral rEpo on erythropoiesis in preterm infants. This is a randomized clinical trial [RCT] study performed on preterm infants [?1800gr birth weight and ?34 weeks gestational age [GA]]. Two groups of infants were randomly included in the study by sequential admissions. One group [n=7] received Epo [CIMBA. Cuba] 1200U/kg per week [3 days a week] plus ferrous sulfate [3-6 mg/kg/day]. The control group [n=7] received only ferrous solfate. Hemoglobin [HB], Hematocrit [Hct] reticulocyte count, serum Epo and ferritin level were measured at baseline, after 10 days and on discharge. Collected data were tested by T-test and repeated measurement and analyzed by SPSS software. Mean [SD] GA of control group [n=7] were 30.3 [0.9] weeks and Epo group [n=7] were 30.7 [2.56] [P=0.7]. The mean [SD] body weight of control group was 1392 [196] gr and Epo group 1328 [267] gr. Reticulocytes count at the end of study in Epo group was significantly more than in control groups [2.99 [1.45] vs 1.36 [0.96]] [P<0.009]. Serum mean erythropoietin level in Epo group was significantly more than in control group [18 [11] vs 8.7 [4]] [P=0.006]. Mean serum ferritin level in Epo group was lower than in control group although statically not significant [238 [78.59] vs 340 [166.51]] [P=0.4]. There was no significant difference in Hb and Hct between the two groups [P=0.3]. Oral administration of rEpo increased significantly serum Epo and reticulocytes count [stimulated erythropoiesis] but did not increase Hb and Hct in preterm infants