The Cool Benefit of Epo for Neonatal Encephalopathy

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Finding ways to improve the outcomes in babies born with hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) continues to be a frequent focus of research for neonatologists and neurologists. This week we share the results of a promising phase 1 study by Wu et al. (doi: 10.1542/peds.2012-0498) looking at the safety and pharmacokinetics of erythropoietin (Epo) used along with hypothermia for treatment of HIE. Even if you are not a neonatologist, it is important to know about this therapeutic addition given the promising safety results shown in this study. Large efficacy trials are likely in progress already, and we hope we will be fortunate enough to receive the results of those trials in our journal. In the meantime, if you are unfamiliar with Epo and why it might be of benefit to these infants, this study is a must-read.