Abstract
Neonates with Rhesus hemolytic disease can present with anemia beyond 1 wk of age due to bone marrow suppression and low erythropoietin secretion. Erythropoietin stimulating agents (ESA) were tried to manage anemia in these neonates. Darbepoetin alfa (DA) is a long-acting ESA used to treat anemia in premature neonates and in children with chronic kidney disease or on cancer chemotherapy. The authors present their experience of using DA to treat late-onset hyporegenerative anemia in 3 neonates with Rhesus isoimmunization. Darbepoetin alfa 4 mcg/kg was given subcutaneously at a 1–2-wk interval to target hemoglobin of 10–12 g/dL. No adverse effects were observed, and the treated infants had a reduced need for the packed red blood cell transfusions.
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SRV developed the concept, was involved in patient management, prepared the manuscript, and approved the manuscript; RS designed and developed the concept, was involved in patient management, corrected the manuscript, and approved the manuscript. RS will act as the guarantor for this paper.
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RV, S., S, R. Darbepoetin Alfa for Late-onset Anemia in Neonates with Rhesus Hemolytic Disease. Indian J Pediatr 90, 184–186 (2023). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-022-04411-w
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12098-022-04411-w