Comparison of a restricted transfusion schedule with erythropoietin therapy versus a restricted transfusion schedule alone in very low birth weight premature infants.

Objective: Erythropoietin (EPO) is commonly used in very low birth weight neonates to minimize blood transfusions during hospitalization. Data are limited comparing the use of EPO along with a restricted transfusion schedule versus a restricted transfusion schedule alone. We compared the effects of a restricted transfusion schedule with EPO versus a restricted transfusion schedule alone during two consecutive 6-month periods.