[Decreased transfusions in preterm infants with anemia treated with erythropoietin]

BACKGROUND

Treating anemia of prematurity is transfused red blood cells and the use of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents. The aim of this article is to determine the correlation between the number of blood transfusions and the use of recombinant human erythropoietin in preterm infants with anemia.

METHODS

A correlation study was performed in 80 cases of patients with anemia treated with transfusions and erythropoietin, were randomized into two groups: one was treated with transfusions (T) and one with transfusions and erythropoietin (E). Demographic variables, hemoglobin and hematocrit at the beginning and end of treatment and number of transfusions received were measured. The correlation was obtained through Spearman Rho, considering p < 0.05 as statistically significant.

RESULTS

The total number of units transfused in each group was lower in group E, which received two units less than the T group (p < 0.05). The average CE transfused in group E was 4 ± 1.2 and 7 ± 1.2 for the group T. For the group E the correlation between gestational age and number of transfusions was moderately negative (-0348); birth weight and the number of packed red blood cells transfused were slightly negative (-0239). T group for the negative correlation between the same variables moderate slight negative (-0300) and (-0109), respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Erythropoietin reduces the number of blood transfusions in preterm infants with anemia. Its use does not preclude the transfusion, the patient remains exposed to the risk of communicable diseases in this way.