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Erythropoietin in very preterm infants
C J Fernandes1, R Hagan, A Frieberg
1Department of Newborn Services, King Edward Memorial Hospital for Women, Subiaco, Australia.
Journal of Paediatrics and Child Health
|August 1, 1994
Summary
Early use of human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEpo) and strict blood sampling control can help manage sick neonates without blood transfusions. This approach is effective for very preterm, very low birthweight infants in neonatal intensive care.
Area of Science:
- Neonatalogy
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Jehovah's Witnesses' religious objection to blood transfusions presents unique challenges in neonatal care.
- Very preterm and very low birthweight neonates often require transfusions due to blood loss from frequent sampling.
- Minimizing blood loss and exploring alternatives to transfusion are critical in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).