Pharmacodynamically optimized erythropoietin treatment combined with phlebotomy reduction predicted to eliminate blood transfusions in selected preterm infants

The role of erythropoietin to prevent red blood cell transfusion in a 2018-2020 two-center cohort of preterm infants

BACKGROUND

Treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) modestly prevented packed red blood cell transfusions (pRBCTs) in preterm infants in studies performed several years ago. In France, some neonatal units stopped using rHu-EPO, while others continued. The aim of this study was to explore the role of rHu-EPO in the prevention of pRBCTs in a recent cohort of preterm infants.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Preterm infants who met rHu-EPO indications and were hospitalised between 2018 and 2020 in two neonatal units -one that did not use rHu-EPO and another that did- were eligible. Data about the neonatal history, rHu-EPO and iron treatments and pRBCT indications and volumes were collected. Infants exposed and not exposed to rHu-EPO were compared in univariate and multivariate analyses using backward logistic regression and Cox proportional hazards regression.

RESULTS

A total of 257 patients exposed to rHu-EPO and 285 patients who were not exposed were included. Three profiles emerged. In the infants with a gestational age <28 weeks, the cumulative pRBCT volume/kg was similar regardless of rHu-EPO exposure (mean difference -2.8 mL, 95% confidence interval -16.1, 10.5, p=0.68). In the infants born between 28 and 30 weeks, a late pRBCT was prevented in the rHu-EPO group (single pRBCT: no rHu-EPO 22.1% vs rHu-EPO 8%, p=0.003). However, rHu-EPO was not independently associated with avoidance of this pRBCT. Finally, the need for pRBCT was low in the infants born after 30 weeks of gestation, making rHu-EPO treatment futile. In contrast, early iron supplementation was revealed to be critical in preventing pRBCT.

DISCUSSION

No benefit of rHu-EPO in preventing pRBCT was observed in our cohort. The place of rHu-EPO in future requires careful consideration of the population concerned, adjustment of the therapeutic schedule and evolution of the indications for pRBCT.

Effects of blood sampling stewardship and erythropoietin administration in extremely low birth weight infants-a quality improvement non-controlled before-and-after retrospective study

The majority of extremely low birth weight (ELBW) neonates receive red blood cell (RBC) transfusions; at least 50% receive multiple transfusions. Anemia care bundles could be the most effective approach to reduce transfusion rates. We conducted a quality improvement non-controlled before-and-after retrospective study involving 345 ELBW infants admitted over a 5-year period in two consecutive epochs before and after implementation of an anemia care bundle in January 2017. Bundle components included (a) prophylactic subcutaneous erythropoietin twice each week (600 IU/kg/week) from day 7 through 8 weeks of age and (b) blood sampling stewardship in the first five postnatal weeks. Early postnatal blood sampling losses were significantly reduced following the implementation of the care bundle (21.2 ml/kg vs 25 ml/kg, P < 0.001). We found a 50% reduction in the rate of multiple RBC transfusions (adjusted RR 0.45, 95% CI: 0.34-0.59) and a reduced odds of necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) (4% vs 10%, adjusted OR 0.38 (95% CI: 0.15-0.78)) among infants that received the anemia care bundle (n = 182 infants). The overall transfusion rate, number and volume of transfusions, and multiple donor exposures were also significantly reduced.Conclusion: The combination of extended subcutaneous erythropoietin administration and reduced early postnatal blood sampling was associated with a significant reduction in the rate of multiple erythrocyte transfusions and NEC in ELBW neonates. What is known: • The majority of extremely low birth weight neonates continue to require blood transfusions despite advances in standardized transfusion practices; at least 50% require multiple transfusions. • Anemia care bundles, employing a combination of anemia prevention strategies, can effectively reduce the RBC transfusion rates in ELBW infants. What is new: • A combination of extended subcutaneous erythropoietin supplementation and blood sampling stewardship practices reduced the rate of multiple RBC transfusions in ELBW neonates by 50%. • Implementation of the anemia care bundle was associated with a significant reduction in the rates of necrotizing enterocolitis.

Erythropoietin prevents necrotizing enterocolitis in very preterm infants: a randomized controlled trial

Background

Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is one of the most severe complications in very preterm infants, but there are currently no accepted methods to prevent NEC. Studies have shown that erythropoietin (EPO) has the potential to prevent NEC or improve outcomes of preterm NEC. This study aimed to determine whether recombinant human EPO (rhEPO) could protect against NEC in very preterm infants.

Methods

The study was a prospective randomized clinical trial performed among four NICU centers. A total of 1327 preterm infants with gestational age ≤ 32 weeks were admitted to the centers, and 42 infants were excluded leaving 1285 eligible infants to be randomized to the rhEPO or control group. Infants in the rhEPO group were given 500 IU/kg rhEPO intravenously every other day for 2 weeks, while the control group was given the same volume of saline. The primary outcome was the incidence of NEC in very preterm infants at 36 weeks of corrected gestational age.

Results

A total of 1285 infants were analyzed at 36 weeks of corrected age for the incidence of NEC. rhEPO treatment significantly decreased the incidence of NEC (stage I, II and III) (12.0% vs. 17.1%, p = 0.010), especially confirmed NEC (stage II and III) (3.0% vs. 5.4%, p = 0.027). Meanwhile, rhEPO treatment significantly reduced the number of red blood cells transfusion in the confirmed NEC cases (1.2 ± 0.4 vs. 2.7 ± 1.0, p = 0.004). Subgroup analyses showed that rhEPO treatment significantly decreased the incidence of confirmed NEC at gestational age < 28 weeks (p = 0.019), and the incidence of all stages NEC in preterm infants with hemoglobin < 90 g/l (p = 0.000) and 5 min Apgar score > 5 (p = 0.028).

Conclusion

Repeated low-dose rhEPO treatment is beneficial against NEC in very preterm infants.

Trial registration The protocol was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT03919500) on April 18, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03919500

Effect of Umbilical Cord Blood Sampling versus Admission Blood Sampling on Requirement of Blood Transfusion in Extremely Preterm Infants: A Randomized Controlled Trial

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the effect of blood sampling from the placental end of the umbilical cord compared with initial blood sampling from neonates, on the need for first packed red blood cell transfusion in extremely preterm infants. We hypothesized that cord blood sampling could delay the time to first blood transfusion.

STUDY DESIGN

In this single-center, assessor blind, randomized controlled trial, we included extremely low birth weight neonates <28 weeks of gestational age at birth. Five milliliter of blood for initial laboratory investigations was collected either from the placental end of the umbilical cord (study group) or from the neonate upon neonatal intensive care unit admission (control group). Both groups received similar anemia prevention strategies. The primary outcome was the time (in days) to the first packed red blood cell transfusion, and was compared using survival analysis.

RESULTS

Eighty neonates were enrolled. The time to first transfusion was significantly delayed in the cord sampling group (30 vs 14 days, hazard ratio: 0.44, [95% CI 0.27-0.72], P < .001). Fewer neonates in the cord sampling group were transfused in the first 28 days of life (30% vs 75%, P < .001). Overall transfusion requirements and other clinical outcomes were similar in the groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Initial blood sampling from placental end of umbilical cord, when combined with anemia prevention strategies, significantly prolonged the time to first transfusion and reduced the need for early transfusions among extremely premature neonates.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

Ctri.nic.in/ (CTRI/2017/04/008320).

Implementation of point-of-care testing in a pediatric healthcare setting

Point-of-care testing (POCT) refers to testing performed outside the clinical laboratory near the patient or at the site of patient care. This could be in critical care settings like the intensive care unit (ICU) and emergency department (ED) or primary care settings like physician offices where testing is performed by nonlaboratory personnel. POCT circumvents several steps in central laboratory testing including specimen transportation and processing resulting in faster turnaround times. Provider access to rapid test results at the site of patient care allows for prompt medical decision making which can lead to improved patient outcomes, operational efficiencies, patient satisfaction, and even cost savings in some cases. In addition to providing results rapidly, POCT devices have small specimen volume requirements compared to central laboratory tests making POCT particularly attractive for pediatric healthcare settings. The availability of published reports on the impact of POCT implementation in pediatric care are helpful resources when evaluating the clinical necessity of POCT prior to implementation. Even though several studies have shown advantages to implementing POCT in different pediatric settings, it is important to note that limitations exist that might limit the utilization of certain POCTs in some pediatric populations. So, it is important that these limitations and the analytical performance of a test are considered while keeping the target patient population in mind. Since POCTs are performed by non-laboratory staff who are not trained laboratory personnel, one challenge with POCT is maintaining regulatory compliance and quality assurance. It is therefore important that regulatory and quality assurance programs be put in place prior to implementing POCT in the pediatric hospital. With advances in POCT technology, most POCT devices have the capability to interface to the laboratory information system (LIS) and electronic medical record (EMR). POCT device interfacing allows for improved compliance to regulatory and quality assurance standards. Maintaining a cost efficient POCT program is becoming increasingly important as hospitals and healthcare systems are undergoing consolidation and harmonization. This includes assessing the clinical and operational benefit of POCT before implementation and inventory management to ensure minimal reagent wastage. This review discusses these different considerations when implementing POCT with a focus on the pediatric healthcare setting.

Prophylactic Early Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Preterm Infants: A Meta-analysis

CONTEXT

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) is a promising pharmacological agent for neuroprotection in neonates.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether prophylactic rhEPO administration in very preterm infants improves neurodevelopmental outcomes in a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

DATA SOURCES

Medline, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials were searched in December 2016 and complemented by other sources.

STUDY SELECTION

RCTs investigating the use of rhEPO in preterm infants versus a control group were selected if they were published in a peer-reviewed journal and reported neurodevelopmental outcomes at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.

DATA EXTRACTION

Data extraction and analysis followed the standard methods of the Cochrane Neonatal Review Group. The primary outcome was the number of infants with a Mental Developmental Index (MDI) <70 on the Bayley Scales of Infant Development. Secondary outcomes included a Psychomotor Development Index <70, cerebral palsy, visual impairment, and hearing impairment.

RESULTS

Four RCTs, comprising 1133 infants, were included in the meta-analysis. Prophylactic rhEPO administration reduced the incidence of children with an MDI <70, with an odds ratio (95% confidence interval) of 0.51 (0.31-0.81), P < .005. The number needed to treat was 14. There was no statistically significant effect on any secondary outcome.

CONCLUSIONS

Prophylactic rhEPO improved the cognitive development of very preterm infants, as assessed by the MDI at a corrected age of 18 to 24 months, without affecting other neurodevelopmental outcomes. Current and future RCTs should investigate optimal dosing and timing of prophylactic rhEPO and plan for long-term neurodevelopmental follow-up.

Recombinant human erythropoietin improves neurological outcomes in very preterm infants

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the efficacy and safety of repeated low-dose human recombinant erythropoietin (rhEPO) in the improvement of neurological outcomes in very preterm infants.

METHODS

A total of 800 infants of ≤32-week gestational age who had been in an intensive care unit within 72 hours after birth were included in the trial between January 2009 and June 2013. Preterm infants were randomly assigned to receive rhEPO (500IU/kg; n = 366) or placebo (n = 377) intravenously within 72 hours after birth and then once every other day for 2 weeks. The primary outcome was death or moderate to severe neurological disability assessed at 18 months of corrected age.

RESULTS

Death and moderate/severe neurological disability occurred in 91 of 338 very preterm infants (26.9%) in the placebo group and in 43 of 330 very preterm infants (13.0%) in the rhEPO treatment group (relative risk [RR] = 0.40, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.27-0.59, p < 0.001) at 18 months of corrected age. The rate of moderate/severe neurological disability in the rhEPO group (22 of 309, 7.1%) was significantly lower compared to the placebo group (57 of 304, 18.8%; RR = 0.32, 95% CI = 0.19-0.55, p < 0.001), and no excess adverse events were observed.

INTERPRETATION

Repeated low-dose rhEPO treatment reduced the risk of long-term neurological disability in very preterm infants with no obvious adverse effects. Ann Neurol 2016;80:24-34.

Association between anemia and bronchopulmonary dysplasia in preterm infants

Anemia is commonly seen in preterm infants. It may reduce the capacity of hemoglobin to transport oxygen throughout the body and may result in tissue and organ dysfunction. This study aimed to investigate the effect of anemia on the development of bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) in preterm infants. 243 infants who were admitted to BaYi Children’s Hospital Affiliated to Clinical Medical College in Beijing Military General Hospital with gestational age (GA) less than 32 weeks from February, 2014 to February, 2015 were included in the study. Maternal and infant data were recorded. Multivarariate logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the association between anemia and BPD. Of 243 preterm infants, the incidence of anemia was higher in BPD patients than non-BPD patients (p < 0.001). Mean Hct in BPD patients was lower than non-BPD patients at different time points in 1d, 7d, 14d, and 21d. Controlling for other confounding factors, early anemia was associated with an increased risk of BPD. Number of transfusions is also a significant risk factor for BPD (p = 0.001). Therefore, prevention and treatment of early anemia is necessary and reducing number of transfusions may reduce the incidence of BPD in preterm infants.

Why do four NICUs using identical RBC transfusion guidelines have different gestational age-adjusted RBC transfusion rates?

OBJECTIVE

To compare neonatal red blood cell (RBC) transfusion rates in four large Intermountain Healthcare NICUs, all of which adhere to the same RBC transfusion guidelines.

STUDY DESIGN

This retrospective analysis was part of a transfusion-management quality-improvement project. De-identified data included RBC transfusions, clinical and laboratory findings, the anemia-prevention strategies in place in each NICU, and specific costs and outcomes.

RESULT

Of 2389 NICU RBC transfusions given during the 4-year period studied, 98.9 ± 2.1% (mean ± S.D.) were compliant with our transfusion guidelines, with no difference in compliance between any of the four NICUs. However, RBC transfusion rates varied widely between the four, with averages ranging from 4.6 transfusions/1000 NICU days to 21.7/1000 NICU days (P < 0.00001). Gestational age-adjusted transfusion rates were correspondingly discordant (P < 0.00001). The lower-transfusing NICUs had written anemia-preventing guidelines, such as umbilical cord milking at very low birth weight delivery, use of cord blood for admission laboratory studies, and darbepoetin dosing for selected neonates. Rates of Bell stage ⩾ 2 necrotizing enterocolitis and grade ⩾ 3 intraventricular hemorrhage were lowest in the two lower-transfusing NICUs (P < 0.0002 and P < 0.0016). Average pharmacy costs for darbepoetin were $84/dose, with an average pharmacy cost of $269 per transfusion averted. With a cost of $900/RBC transfusion, the anemia-preventing strategies resulted in an estimated cost savings to Intermountain Healthcare of about $6970 per 1000 NICU days, or about $282,300 annually.

CONCLUSION

Using transfusion guidelines has been shown previously to reduce practice variability, lower transfusion rates and diminish transfusion costs. Based on our present findings, we maintain that even when transfusion guidelines are in place and adhered to rigorously, RBC transfusion rates are reduced further if anemia-preventing strategies are also in place.