AO-14. Whole genome expression in very low birth weight (VLBW) infants with and without bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD)—Preliminary results

Abstract

A recent study using high-dose rhEpo (3000 U rhEpo/kg BW at birth) for neuro-protection in very preterm infants revealed that no signs of adverse effects of early high-dose rhEpo treatment in very preterm infants were identified. Contrary to this, a recent study in PVL of a rat model revealed that using a low dose rhEpo (50– 100 U/kg) was effective in the treatment of brain damage induced by hypoxia–ischemia and did not affect normal oligodendrocyte maturity. Respectively, we intended to investigate: whether lowdose rhEpo (100 U/kg) or high-dose rhEpo (3000 U/kg) given to very preterm infants (gestation age <32 weeks) immediately after birth and subsequently during the first 2 days is safe and possesses neuro-protective properties; whether there are gender differences in response to the hypoxia-ischemic insult and EPO treatment; the pharmacokinetics of low dose and high dose rhEPO. Very preterm infants with gestational age of <32 weeks were admitted to the NICU and were eligible for enrolment in the follow-up study until year one.