Recombinant human erythropoietin as a treatment for anemia of prematurity.

Anemia of prematurity (AOP) is an exaggerated form of the normal physiologic anemia of infancy. The primary pathophysiologic abnormality implicated in the development of AOP is inadequate production of erythropoietin, whose function is the regulation of red blood cell production. Recent studies into the safety and efficacy of recombinant human erythropoietin in infants with AOP have demonstrated consistently a rise in hematocrits and reticulocyte counts, fewer blood transfusions, reduced transfused volume of blood per kilogram body weight, and a decrease in bioavailable iron. Current dose recommendations are 200 U/kg subcutaneously or intravenously daily or every other day.