@article {Amin287, author = {Adnan A. Amin and Daifulah M. Alzahrani}, title = {Efficacy of erythropoietin in premature infants}, volume = {23}, number = {3}, pages = {287--290}, year = {2002}, publisher = {Saudi Medical Journal}, abstract = {OBJECTIVE: To identify the effect of early parental recombinant human erythropoietin and iron administration on the blood transfusion requirement of premature infants.METHODS: In a controlled clinical trial conducted at the neonatal intensive care unit of Al-Hada Military Hospital, Taif, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia over a 16 months period, we assigned 20 very low birth weight infants with gestational age of (mean {\textpm} standard error of mean) 28.4 {\textpm} 0.5 weeks and birth weight of (mean {\textpm} standard error of mean) 1031 {\textpm} 42 gm, to receive either intravenous recombinant human erythropoietin 200 U/kg/day and iron 1mg/kg/day or conventional therapy over a 21 day study period. Blood transfusion administration undergoes a strict protocol in our nursery.RESULTS: During the 3 week study period, the hemoglobin and hematocrit remained similar in the 2 groups while the reticulocyte counts were greater in the recombinant human erythropoietin recipients on day 14. The number and volume of blood transfusions were similar in both groups.CONCLUSION: Very low birth weight infants receive fewer blood transfusions than the number previously reported. Strict phlebotomy and transfusion criteria could minimize the need for human recombinant erythropoietin.}, issn = {0379-5284}, URL = {https://smj.org.sa/content/23/3/287}, eprint = {https://smj.org.sa/content/23/3/287.full.pdf}, journal = {Saudi Medical Journal} }