Characterization of Neutropenia in Preterm Neonates Following Administration of Darbepoetin Alfa.

Objective: This study is to evaluate the effects of darbepoetin alfa (darbe) on neutrophil count in preterm neonates treated for anemia of prematurity.

Methods: This was a retrospective chart review comparing the absolute neutrophil counts (ANCs) of neonates administered 2 doses of subcutaneous darbe 10 mcg/kg to that of a randomly selected comparator group of neonates not administered the drug. Neonates <34 weeks gestational age, gestational age between 23w1d and 33w4d, born between July 2016 and June 2019, were included in the study.