The use of erythropoietin in neonates

Human recombinant erythropoietin (Epo) has been studied extensively as treatment for a variety of anemias. Numerous clinical trials have reported various levels of success in the treatment of the anemia of prematurity. Recently, Epo has been used in the first weeks of life to alleviate the anemia caused by excessive phlebotomy losses and to prevent the anemia of prematurity. In addition, Epo has been tried clinically in a variety of neonatal populations to decrease or eliminate transfusions. This article describes mechanisms of erythropoiesis in the fetus and in the preterm and term infant, and the use of Epo to prevent and treat anemia in neonates.