The effects of recombinant human erythropoietin given immediately after delivery to women with anaemia

SUMMARY Objective: Anaemia is a common problem during pregnancy and the puerperium. This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of giving recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) to anaemic women during the puerperium. Method: Thirty-seven women received a single dose of EPO (20,000 I...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Current medical research and opinion 2003, Vol.19 (4), p.346-349
Main Authors: Hatzis, T., Cardamakis, E., Tsapanos, V., Kourounis, G., Linardos, N., Mantouvalos, H., Tzingounis, V.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Adult
Anaemia
Anemia - blood
Anemia - prevention & control
Biological and medical sciences
Delivery, Obstetric
Erythropoietin
Erythropoietin - therapeutic use
Female
Hemoglobins - analysis
Humans
Iron - therapeutic use
Medical sciences
Postoperative Period
Postpartum Period
Pregnancy
Puerperium
Recombinant Proteins
Transfusion
Treatment Outcome
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Summary:SUMMARY Objective: Anaemia is a common problem during pregnancy and the puerperium. This study was designed to determine the efficacy and safety of giving recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) to anaemic women during the puerperium. Method: Thirty-seven women received a single dose of EPO (20,000 IU intravenously) immediately after delivery. A control population (n = 37) matched according to age and haemoglobin concentration was evaluated. All women received oral iron supplementation for 40 days after delivery. Haemoglobin concentrations were measured 4 and 40 days after delivery. Blood transfusions were given depending on clinical condition and haemoglobin level. Results: Patients treated with EPO had a significantly higher mean haemoglobin concentration than control patients at days 4 and 40. No women in the EPO group required a transfusion, compared with six in the control group. No side-effects and fewer anaemia-related symptoms were observed during EPO treatment. Conclusion: EPO given at delivery is effective in decreasing the need for blood transfusion and the incidence of problems associated with anaemia during the puerperium.
ISSN:0300-7995
1473-4877
DOI:10.1185/030079903125001802