Influence of recombinant human erythropoietin on neutrophil function in premature neonates

The in vivo influence of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) and iron on human neutrophil (PMN) antimicrobial function was assessed, A total of 2 1 preterm infants were randomized to receive either 200 U/kg/other day of r HuEPO + 12 mg/kg/day of iron (EPO + high Fe, seven infants) or 200 U/kg/oth er day of rhEPO + 4 mg/kg/day of iron (EPO + standard Fe, 9 infants) or 4 m g/kg/day of iron only (standard Fe, five infants). PMNs were isolated from blood of these infants 60 +/- 5 days after birth and from eight healthy adu lts. No differences between infants and adults were found in PMN random mig ration and chemotactic activity to N-formylmethionyl leucyl phenylalanine ( FMLP), superoxide anion production in response to FMLP and phagocytosis of Staphylococcus aureus. In contrast, percentage phagocytosis was significant ly lower in EPO + standard Fe as compared to both EPO + high Fe and standar d Fe groups (P < 0.01), This modest impairment of phagocytic activity of ne onatal PMNs found in association with administration of rhEPO and standard iron may be related to consumption of iron during rhEPO-enhanced erythropoi esis. (C) 1999 Academic Press.