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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
Preterm EEG: A Multimodal Neurophysiological Protocol
Published on: February 18, 2012
Does erythropoietin protect the preterm brain?
Insights
Recombinant human erythropoietin may improve neurodevelopmental outcomes for preterm infants with brain injury. This study investigates its potential to prevent or reduce harm from hypoxic-ischaemic injury.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal neurology
- Developmental neuroscience
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury and intraventricular haemorrhage are common in preterm infants, leading to mortality and long-term disabilities.
- Current interventions are insufficient to prevent infant brain injury or mitigate neurodevelopmental deficits.
Purpose of the Study:
- To test the hypothesis that systemic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in high-risk preterm infants with brain injury.
Main Methods:
- A multicentre, randomized, placebo-controlled study will prospectively evaluate the effects of rhEPO.
Main Results:
- This section is to be filled upon study completion.
Conclusions:
- Further research is needed to determine if rhEPO can be an effective therapeutic agent for preventing brain injury in preterm infants.
Abstract:
There is a high incidence of hypoxic-ischaemic brain injury and intraventricular haemorrhage in newborn infants, particularly those born preterm. Many die during the newborn period or suffer permanent neurodevelopmental handicaps. Hypoxic brain injury develops over several hours and could potentially be influenced by intervention. At present, no drug exists that effectively prevents infant brain injury or ameliorates detrimental neurodevelopmental effects. The hypothesis is put forward that systemic administration of recombinant human erythropoietin positively affects the neurodevelopmental outcome of high risk preterm infants affected by brain injury. A multicentre, randomised, placebo controlled study is proposed to prospectively test this hypothesis.
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