Open AccessEndogenous erythropoietin concentrations and association with retinopathy of prematurity and brain injury in preterm infants
Author(s) -
Nancy Fahim,
Michael Georgieff,
Lei Zhang,
Scott Naisbitt,
Raghavendra Rao,
Terrie E. Inder
Publication year - 2021
Publication title -
plos one
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.99
H-Index - 332
ISSN - 1932-6203
DOI - 10.1371/journal.pone.0252655
Subject(s) - medicine , erythropoietin , retinopathy of prematurity , birth weight , apgar score , gestation , gestational age , hypoxia (environmental) , physiology , pediatrics , endocrinology , anesthesia , pregnancy , biology , chemistry , organic chemistry , oxygen , genetics
Background Endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) concentrations vary widely in preterm infants and may be associated with perinatal risk factors and neurological outcomes. Erythropoietin is elevated in fetal hypoxia but is also a potential neuroprotectant. Methods In a prospective study of 27 infants ≤ 30 weeks gestation, serum erythropoietin concentrations were measured during the first month of life, on day 1 and weeks 1, 2, and 4, and related to perinatal risk factors and outcomes including retinopathy of prematurity and cerebral injury evaluated near term-equivalent post menstrual age using magnetic resonance imaging with quantitative scoring. Results Lower birth weight was associated with higher EPO concentrations throughout the first 2 weeks of life (r = -0.6, p < 0.01). Higher day 1 and week 1 EPO concentrations were associated with lower Apgar score at 1 minute (r = - 0.5) and 5 minutes (r = -0.7), respectively (p < 0.01). Higher day 1 EPO concentrations and 2-week area under the curve were associated with increased risk (p = 0.01) and severity (r = 0.5, p < 0.02) of retinopathy of prematurity. Higher EPO concentrations at 2 weeks were associated with increased total brain injury score (r = 0.5, p < 0.05). Conclusion Elevated endogenous erythropoietin concentrations in the first two weeks of life are associated with lower birth weight and increased risk of adverse outcomes.