Endogenous erythropoietin concentrations and association with retinopathy of prematurity and brain injury in preterm infants.

Abstract

BackgroundEndogenous erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations vary widely in preterm infants and may be associated with perinatal risk factors and neurological outcomes. Erythropoietin is elevated in fetal hypoxia but is also a potential neuroprotectant.MethodsIn a prospective study of 27 infants ≤ 30 weeks gestation, serum erythropoietin concentrations were measured during the first month of life, on day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 4, and related to perinatal risk factors and outcomes including retinopathy of prematurity and cerebral injury evaluated near term-equivalent post menstrual age using magnetic resonance imaging with quantitative scoring.ResultsLower birth weight was associated with higher EPO concentrations throughout the first 2 weeks of life (r = -0.6, p ConclusionElevated endogenous erythropoietin concentrations in the first two weeks of life are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of adverse outcomes.