A meta-analysis update of randomized controlled trials investigating recombinant human erythropoietin suggests improved neurodevelopmental outcome in preterm infants. There was substantial heterogeneity, which could be ascribed to a single trial. Exclusion of this trial featuring a high risk of bias abolished heterogeneity and any effects of recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.
Keywords: VLBW and ELBW infants; erythropoietin; meta-analysis; neurodevelopment; neuroprotection.
Copyright © 2021 Fischer, Reibel, Bührer and Dame.