How much do we know about epoetin-α in neonatal anaemia?
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How much do we know about epoetin-o. in neooatal anaemia? VIEWS & REVIEWS Epoetin-a is a recent therapeutic alternative to erythrocyte transfusion in premature neonates with anaemia. While meta-analysis of available data is difficult because of different methodologies used in trials of epoetin-a therapy, Associate Professors Todd WandSlrat and Barbara Kaplan of Charleston, US, reviewed the relevant literature and evaluated data obtained with the agent between 1985 and 1994. Minimal adverse effects associated with use of epoetin-a in this indication have been reported during short-term studies. The incidence of neutropenia in some of these studies did not differ significantly between epoetin-a recipients and control patients. Furthermore, epoelin-a therapy did not appear to result in detrimental effects on haematopoietic progenitors. The route of administration for epoetin-a should be determined on an individual basis; premature neonates with existing IV lines should receive treatment intravenously, while the SC route should be used for those with difficult or no IV access. The available data appear to support the routine use of iron in this indication to achieve maximum efficacy with epoetin-a, a1though the optima1 iron dose and route of administration remain to be established. The review authors suggest that further investi- gations are required to determine which subgroups of neonates with anaemia may benefit more from epoetin-a therapy than from erythrocyte transfusion, particularly in those weighing < 1250g. WandsnI n.. Kaplan B. Use otaylhropoietiA ill pRmWte DeOAIIK: rontroversia IDd \Ix 1'IItIw. Annals of PhannacoIbenpy 29: 166-173, Feb 1995 ...,,, .. , 5
Transcript of How much do we know about epoetin-α in neonatal anaemia?
How much do we know about epoetin-o. in neooatal anaemia?
VIEWS & REVIEWS
Epoetin-a is a recent therapeutic alternative to erythrocyte transfusion in premature neonates with anaemia. While meta-analysis of available data is difficult because of different methodologies used in trials of epoetin-a therapy, Associate Professors Todd WandSlrat and Barbara Kaplan of Charleston, US, reviewed the relevant literature and evaluated data obtained with the agent between 1985 and 1994.
Minimal adverse effects associated with use of epoetin-a in this indication have been reported during short-term studies. The incidence of neutropenia in some of these studies did not differ significantly between epoetin-a recipients and control patients. Furthermore, epoelin-a therapy did not appear to result in detrimental effects on haematopoietic progenitors.
The route of administration for epoetin-a should be determined on an individual basis; premature neonates with existing IV lines should receive treatment intravenously, while the SC route should be used for those with difficult or no IV access. The available data appear to support the routine use of iron in this indication to achieve maximum efficacy with epoetin-a, a1though the optima1 iron dose and route of administration remain to be established.
The review authors suggest that further investigations are required to determine which subgroups of neonates with anaemia may benefit more from epoetin-a therapy than from erythrocyte transfusion, particularly in those weighing < 1250g.
WandsnI n.. Kaplan B. Use otaylhropoietiA ill pRmWte DeOAIIK:
rontroversia IDd \Ix 1'IItIw. Annals of PhannacoIbenpy 29: 166-173, Feb 1995 ...,,, .. ,
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