EFFICIENCY OF DIFFERENT DOSES OF RECOMBINANT HUMAN ERYTHROPOIETIN USED TO TREAT ANEMIA IN PREGNANCY

Objective. To compare the efficiency of different doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEPO) and the frequency of its use for the treatment of anemias in pregnant women. Subjects and methods. Fifty women who were treated at the pregnancy pathology units of the maternity hospitals and who were followed up at the antenatal clinics of Ryazan were divided into 3 groups. The patients’ mean age was 23.8±2.42 years; the mean gestational age was 29.2±8.54 weeks. In Group 1 pregnant patients (n = 15), rhEPO was administered subcutaneously in a dose of 75 IU/kg thrice weekly; Group 2 (n = 21) received the agent in a dose of 100 IU/kg thrice weekly; Group 3 (n = 14) had it in a dose of 120 IU/kg twice a week. The therapy duration was 2 weeks. All the pregnant women were additionally given oral ferrous sulfate (Fe 2+) 200 mg daily. Hemogram parameters, including hemoglobin (Hb), reticulocytes (Rt), red blood cells, and platelets, were estimated by using a Systex 2000i hematology analyzer (Japan) before, every three weeks during, and after rhEPO therapy. Results. In Group 1, a significant increase in Hb and Rt levels was achieved only in 6 (40%) of the 15 women (the total weekly dose of rhEPO was 225 IU/kg). In Group 2, the goal Hb level was seen in 16 (76.5%) of the 21 women (p < 0.05 vs Group 1); the total weekly dose of rhEPO was 300 IU/kg). The administration of rhEPO (the total weekly dose was 240 IU/kg) resulted in a significant increase in hematological parameters in 7 (50%) of the 14 pregnant women in Group 3. Conclusion. The subcutaneous administration of rhEPO in a dose of 100 IU/kg thrice weekly is an optimal rhEPO therapy regimen for anemias in pregnancy.

anemia, pregnancy, recombinant erythropoietin