Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 30, 2026
A Comprehensive Pipeline to Assess the Efficiency of Human Erythropoiesis In Vitro and Ex Vivo
Published on: January 10, 2025
Enterally dosed recombinant human erythropoietin does not stimulate erythropoiesis in neonates
1Department of Pediatrics, Division of Neonatology, University of Washington, Seattle,1 98195, USA. sjuul@u.washington.edu
Objectives:
Human fetuses and neonates ingest erythropoietin (Epo) when they swallow amniotic fluid, colostrum, and human milk. This study was designed to determine whether enterally dosed recombinant Epo (rEpo) stimulates erythropoiesis in preterm neonates.
Methods:
Preterm infants (<1500 g birth weight) were randomly assigned to receive feedings supplemented with either rEpo (1000 U/kg per day) or placebo for 14 days (n=36). Reticulocyte counts, serum Epo concentrations, hematocrit, and zinc protoporphyrin to heme ratios were measured at baseline and after 7 and 14 days of study drug administration. Transfusion guidelines were followed. Transfusion requirements, medications, feeding tolerance, and clinical diagnoses were documented.
Results:
Enteral rEpo was well tolerated. There were no differences in erythropoietic indexes based on treatment group. Serum Epo concentrations were not different in the treatment versus placebo group, nor were transfusion requirements.
Conclusions:
Enterally dosed rEpo (1000 U/kg/day) does not significantly influence erythropoiesis or iron utilization when given for a 2-week period, nor does it elevate the serum Epo concentration in preterm or term infants. Oral administration of rEpo is not an effective substitute for parenteral administration.
