Scholarlink

Background <p>Prematurity remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity; with neurodevelopmental disorders among its most significant complications. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been explored for their neuroprotective potential.</p> Objective <p>To evaluate whether early prophylactic administration of ESAs in preterm neonates ( &lt; 37 weeks’ gestation) improves neurodevelopmental outcomes up to 36 months of age.</p> Study design <p>A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ICTRP identified 1142 studies, of which ten met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis included only randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting Bayley Scales of Infant Development scores or cerebral palsy diagnosis.</p> Results <p>Among the ten included studies (eight RCTs, two retrospective cohorts), comprising 2861 preterm infants, narrative synthesis was inconclusive. Meta-analysis showed reduced odds of adverse cognitive outcomes (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35–0.85), and cerebral palsy (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.97) in ESA-treated group, with no evidence of publication bias. Sensitivity analyses indicated potential fragility of pooled estimates.</p> Conclusion <p>Εarly ESAs administration may provide cognitive benefits. Standardized methodologies and longer-term studies are needed to confirm neurodevelopmental effects and clinical relevance.</p>

错误：搜索内容不能为空，请输入英文关键词
错误：关键词超出字数限制，请精简
高级检索

The role of early administration of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents in preterm neonatal neuroprotection: a systematic review and meta-analysis

  • 期刊论文

  • 发表日期：

    2026年4月24日

查看全文
  • Maria Argyropoulou,
  • Eleftheria Fotopoulou,
  • Dimitra Kousi,
  • Tania Siahanidou

摘要

Background

Prematurity remains a leading cause of neonatal mortality and morbidity; with neurodevelopmental disorders among its most significant complications. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESAs) have been explored for their neuroprotective potential.

Objective

To evaluate whether early prophylactic administration of ESAs in preterm neonates ( < 37 weeks’ gestation) improves neurodevelopmental outcomes up to 36 months of age.

Study design

A systematic search of MEDLINE, Embase, Cochrane Library, and ICTRP identified 1142 studies, of which ten met the inclusion criteria. The meta-analysis included only randomized control trials (RCTs) reporting Bayley Scales of Infant Development scores or cerebral palsy diagnosis.

Results

Among the ten included studies (eight RCTs, two retrospective cohorts), comprising 2861 preterm infants, narrative synthesis was inconclusive. Meta-analysis showed reduced odds of adverse cognitive outcomes (OR: 0.55; 95% CI: 0.35–0.85), and cerebral palsy (OR: 0.66; 95% CI: 0.45–0.97) in ESA-treated group, with no evidence of publication bias. Sensitivity analyses indicated potential fragility of pooled estimates.

Conclusion

Εarly ESAs administration may provide cognitive benefits. Standardized methodologies and longer-term studies are needed to confirm neurodevelopmental effects and clinical relevance.