Comparison between two treatment protocols with recombinant Human Erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in the treatment of late anemia in neonates with Rh-Isoimmunization

• Main Authors: A.A. Zuppa (Author), G. Alighieri (Author), A. Fracchiolla (Author), P. Catenazzi (Author), A. D'Antuono (Author), R. Riccardi (Author), M. Cavani (Author), C. Romagnoli (Author)
• Format: Book
• Published: PAGEPress Publications, 2012-08-01T00:00:00Z.
• Subjects: article
• Online Access: Connect to this object online.

Summary

Objectve. The Rh-hemolytic disease can lead to a late anemia by hemolytic and hyporigenerative mechanism. We compared the effectiveness of rHuEPO in two care protocols that differ for doses of rHuEPO administrated and for timing of administration. Methods. A cohort of 14 neonates was investigated. The neonates were treated with two different protocols. Protocol A: a dose of 200 U/kg/day of rHuEpo administered subcutaneously starting from the end of the second week of life; Protocol B: a dose of 400 U/kg/day of rHuEpo administered subcutaneously starting from the end of the first week of life. Results. The hematocrit values in the protocol A group decreased during treatment (32,5% vs 25,2%), whereas the hematocrit value in protocol B group remained almost stable (38,7% vs 42,8%). The mean numbers of platelets remained stable in both groups while neutrophils increased in protocol A group and decreased in protocol B (p<0,05). Reticulocyte count increased during treatment in both groups, although only in protocol B group it was statistically significative (p<0,05). Conclusions. Our results suggest a similar efficacy between the two treatment protocols. Increasing doses of rHuEPO do not seem enhancing their effectiveness and the incidence of side effects.

Item Description

10.4081/pmc.2012.72
0391-5387
2420-7748