The Effects of Erythropoietin (EPO) on the Transfusion Requirements of Very Low Birth Weight Infants

This study tested the safety and efficacy of transfusing erythropoietin (Epo) and iron in infants of \<1,250g birth weight. For infants 401-1,000g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the number of transfusions received. For infants 1,001-1,250g birth weight, we tested whether early erythropoietin (Epo) and iron therapy would decrease the percentage of infants who received any transfusions.