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Erythropoietin Treatment in Extremely Low Birth Weight Infants

Not Applicable
Completed
Conditions
Infant, Low Birth Weight
Anemia
Interventions
Registration Number
NCT00593801
Lead Sponsor
Charite University, Berlin, Germany
Brief Summary

Objective: To investigate whether recombinant EPO reduces the need for transfusion in extremely low birth weight (ELBW) infants and to determine the optimal time for treatment.

The concentrations of trace elements and of antioxidant enzymes were investigated in all patients, too.

Study population: 219 patient randomized into 3 groups

Detailed Description

Methods: Blinded , multicenter trial, ELBW infants were randomized on day 3 to one of 3 groups: early EPO group (rhEPO from the first week for 9 weeks , n= 74), late rhEPO group (rhWEPO from the fourth week for 6 weeks, n=74), or control group (no rhEPO, n= 71). All infants received enteral iron (3-9 mg/kg/day) from the first week. The rhEPO ß dose was 750 IU/kg/week. Success was defined as no transfusion and hematocrit levels never below 30%.

The concentrations of trace elements and of antioxidant enzymes were investigated in all patients, too. Clinical and nutritional data were recorded prospectively.

Recruitment & Eligibility

Status
COMPLETED
Sex
All
Target Recruitment
219
Inclusion Criteria
  • Extremely low birth weight infants
Exclusion Criteria
  • Cyanotic heart disease
  • Major congenital malformation requiring surgery
  • Gestational age > 30 weeks
  • Administration of an investigational drug during pregnancy
  • Lack of parental consent

Study & Design

Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Study Design
PARALLEL
Arm && Interventions
GroupInterventionDescription
2: late rhEPOepoetin betalate EPO treatment from the fourth week for 6 weeks
1: early rhEPOepoetin betaearly rhEPO treatment from the first week until 9 weeks
Primary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
transfusion need9 weeks
Secondary Outcome Measures
NameTimeMethod
concentrations of trace elements and antioxidant enzymes in the blood9 weeks

Trial Locations

Locations (1)

Dept of Neonatolgy Charité University Medicine Berlin

🇩🇪

Berlin, Germany

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