Longitudinal Assessment of Preterm Infants Treated with Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents

Authors

Robin K. Ohls, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
Jean Lowe, Department of Pediatrics, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Ronald A. Yeo, Department of Psychology, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Shrena Patel, MEDNAX Medical Group, Bellevue, WA, USA
Sarah Winter, Department of Pediatrics, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
Richard A. Campbell, Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM, USA
Shawna Baker, Utah State Department of Health, University of Utah, Salt Lake City, Utah 84108, USA
John Phillips, Mind Research Network, Albuquerque, NM, USA

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

1-1-2023

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: We previously reported improved neurodevelopment at 2 and 4 years among preterm infants treated with erythropoietin or darbepoetin, known as erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs). We now characterize longitudinal outcomes through 6 years.

METHODS: Children randomized to ESAs or placebo were evaluated at 6 years. Healthy-term children served as controls. Tests of cognition and executive function (EF) were performed.

RESULTS: Cognitive/EF scores remained similar between 4 and 6 years within each group (ESA: 43 children; placebo: 17 children; term: 21 children). ESA recipients scored higher than placebo on Full-Scale IQ (94.2 ± 18.6 vs. 81.6 ± 16.7, p = 0.022), and Performance IQ (97.3 ± 16.2 vs. 81.7 ± 15.2, = 0.005). Aggregate EF trended better for the ESA group. Term controls scored better than placebo on all measures. ESA and term controls scored similarly on cognitive and EF tests.

CONCLUSION: ESA recipients had better outcomes than placebo recipients, and were similar to term children. ESAs may improve long-term cognition and executive function in preterm infants.

Publication Title

Curr Pediatr Rev

ISSN

1875-6336

Volume

19

Issue

4

First Page

417

Last Page

424

DOI

10.2174/1573396319666221219114704

Recommended Citation

Ohls RK, Lowe J, Yeo RA, Patel S, Winter S, Campbell RA, Baker S, Phillips J. Longitudinal Assessment of Preterm Infants Treated with Erythropoiesis Stimulating Agents. Curr Pediatr Rev. 2023;19(4):417-424. doi: 10.2174/1573396319666221219114704. PMID: 36537596.