Epo does not help with neurological damage to newborns

Adding erythropoietin to cooling therapy for term newborns with birth asphyxia has no benefit over cooling therapy alone, a study published today in the New England Journal of Medicine.

The findings contrast with results from small trials in which erythropoietin appeared safe and effective, noted Dr. Sandra “Sunny” Juul, senior author of the study. The Alan Hodson Endowed Professor of Pediatrics at the UW School of Medicine, Juul is also the UW Medicine chief of neonatology (newborn medical care) and practices at Seattle Chldren’s.