This is a randomized, placebo-controlled, study of Epo treatment of preterm infants 24-0/7 to 27-6/7 weeks of gestation, beginning in the first 24 hours after birth. Randomization will be stratified by site and gestational age at birth (<26 week or 26-27-6/7). Study size sample is 940 patients. We expect to evaluate 752 subjects at 24-26 months corrected age, our primary endpoint. There is no enrollment restriction based on gender, ethnicity or race. Enrollment is expected to take 24-26 months, with each subject participating through 24-26 months corrected age when neurodevelopmental outcomes are assessed. The combined outcome of death or severe NDI will be compared between Epo-treated and control subjects. All outcomes will be collected in a blinded manner. Subjects will be randomized by the data-coordinating center (DCC) to Epo treatment or placebo, and Epo treatment will continue until 32-6/7 weeks post menstrual age. Serial measurements of circulating inflammatory mediators and biomarkers of brain injury will be made. A brain MRI will be done at 36 weeks post menstrual age in the same subset of infants. Phone contact will occur at 4, 8, 12, and 18 months. Face to face follow up will occur at 24-26 months corrected age. The primary outcome is death or severe NDI at 24-26 months corrected age, with a secondary outcome of death or moderate NDI. Our primary sample size calculation is based on the conservative assumptions that Epo treatment will result in a 40% reduction in the severe NDI rate (the range in animal studies is 49-70%) and minimal impact on death. This would yield a control group rate for the primary outcome of 40.4% and an expected treated rate of 31.5% thus yielding an 8.9% lower rate of Death + NDI. Clinical information including co-morbidities of extreme prematurity, information about transfusions, and specific laboratory values were collected in the PENUT database.
Inclusion Criteria: 1. NICU inpatients between 24-0/7 and 27-6/7 weeks of gestation 2. Less than twenty four hours of age 3. Parental informed consent Exclusion Criteria: 1. Major life-threatening anomalies (brain, cardiac, chromosomal anomalies) 2. Hematologic crises such as DIC, or hemolysis due to blood group incompatibilities 3. Polycythemia (hematocrit > 65) 4. Congenital infection