A prospective randomized pilot trial comparing weekly vs. biweekly Darbepoetin administration to preterm infants.

Background: Administering darbepoetin (Darbe) to preterm infants stimulates erythropoiesis, increases red blood cell (RBC) mass, and reduces RBC transfusions. We typically administer 10 µg/kg weekly until 34 weeks corrected gestation; however, we are uncertain whether this dose could be given every other week (biweekly) with equal efficacy.

Methods: Infants ≤32 weeks were randomized to receive Darbe 10 µg/kg/dose weekly or biweekly for six weeks, tracking complete blood counts, absolute reticulocyte counts (ARC), iron status (RET-He), and RBC transfusions.

Measuring End-Tidal Carbon Monoxide of Jaundiced Neonates in the Birth Hospital to Identify Those with Hemolysis.

Background: End-tidal breath carbon monoxide (ETCOc) levels correlate with catabolism of heme, but until recently, this measurement was not readily available for application to neonatology practice.

Objectives: We performed a prospective, multihospital, test-of-concept study where ETCOc was measured during the birth hospitalization of neonates with a total bilirubin (TB) value >75th percentile on the Bhutani bilirubin nomogram. This was done to test the feasibility and ease of use of this new device.