Document Type
Article
Publication Date
6-1-2021
Abstract
OBJECTIVE: To assess the feasibility and safety of one dose of Darbepoetin alpha (Darbe) administered to neonates ≥34 weeks with mild neonatal encephalopathy (NE).
METHODS: Randomized, masked, placebo-controlled study including neonates ≥34 weeks gestation with mild NE. Neonates were randomized to receive one dose of Darbe (10 μg/kg IV) or placebo. Clinical and laboratory maternal and newborn data were collected. The Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development, third edition (Bayley-III) and a standardized neurological examination at 8-12 months of corrected age were assessed.
RESULTS: There were no differences in baseline characteristics of the 21 infants randomized (9 Darbe, 12 placebo). Adverse events were not reported at any time. Bayley-III scores were average in both Darbe and placebo groups.
CONCLUSION: This study demonstrates that a randomized, masked, placebo-controlled trial is safe and feasible. A large, randomized trial is warranted to assess the effect of Darbe in this population.
Publication Title
Journal of perinatology : official journal of the California Perinatal Association
ISSN
1476-5543
Volume
41
Issue
6
First Page
1339
Last Page
1346
DOI
10.1038/s41372-021-01081-y
Recommended Citation
DuPont TL, Baserga M, Lowe J, Zamora T, Beauman S, Ohls RK. Darbepoetin as a neuroprotective agent in mild neonatal encephalopathy: a randomized, placebo-controlled, feasibility trial. J Perinatol. 2021 Jun;41(6):1339-1346. doi: 10.1038/s41372-021-01081-y. Epub 2021 May 13. PMID: 33986477; PMCID: PMC8238874.
