A prospective randomized pilot trial comparing weekly vs. biweekly Darbepoetin administration to preterm infants

Administering darbepoetin (Darbe) to preterm infants stimulates erythropoiesis, increases red blood cell (RBC) mass, and reduces RBC transfusions. We typically administer 10 µg/kg weekly until 34 weeks corrected gestation; however, we are uncertain whether this dose could be given every other week (biweekly) with equal efficacy.

Infants ≤32 weeks were randomized to receive Darbe 10 µg/kg/dose weekly or biweekly for six weeks, tracking complete blood counts, absolute reticulocyte counts (ARC), iron status (RET-He), and RBC transfusions.

We enrolled 71 infants (1027 ± 369 grams, 27.3 ± 2.8 weeks). During the study period, the weekly-dosed group had a higher adjusted mean ARC (48,000/μL higher, 95% C.I. 9700-87,000/μL; p = 0.019). However, RET-He, Hgb, and transfusion-free survival were not different between groups (p = 0.071, p = 0.244, and p = 0.762).

Weekly Darbe results in a higher six-week ARC than biweekly dosing. However, given similar clinical outcomes, perhaps biweekly dosing may be a cost-effective alternative.