Prophylactic Erythropoietin for Neuroprotection in Very Preterm Infants: A Meta-Analysis Update

A meta-analysis update of randomized controlled trials investigating recombinant human erythropoietin suggests improved neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. There was substantial heterogeneity, which could be ascribed to a single trial. Exclusion of this trial featuring a high risk of bias abolished heterogeneity and any effects of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.

Automated summary

An updated meta-analysis on randomized controlled trials of recombinant human erythropoietin suggests potential benefits for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants. However, significant heterogeneity was observed, largely attributable to one biased trial, which when excluded, nullified any effects of the treatment.