Timothy M Bahr, Robert D Christensen, Kimberlee A Weaver-Lewis, Danielle M Scott, Erick Gerday, Jared J Tuttle, Robin K Ohls
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Background: 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.
Methods: 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.
Results: 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).
Conclusions: 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.
期刊介绍:
The Journal of Perinatology provides members of the perinatal/neonatal healthcare team with original information pertinent to improving maternal/fetal and neonatal care. We publish peer-reviewed clinical research articles, state-of-the art reviews, comments, quality improvement reports, and letters to the editor. Articles published in the Journal of Perinatology embrace the full scope of the specialty, including clinical, professional, political, administrative and educational aspects. The Journal also explores legal and ethical issues, neonatal technology and product development.
The Journal’s audience includes all those that participate in perinatal/neonatal care, including, but not limited to neonatologists, perinatologists, perinatal epidemiologists, pediatricians and pediatric subspecialists, surgeons, neonatal and perinatal nurses, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, social workers, dieticians, speech and hearing experts, other allied health professionals, as well as subspecialists who participate in patient care including radiologists, laboratory medicine and pathologists.