Single-dose pharmacokinetics of recombinant human erythropoietin in preterm infants after intravenous and subcutaneous administration.

Pharmacokinetics of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) were studied in a group of very low birth weight infants after both intravenous and subcutaneous administration. The volume of distribution was larger and the clearance more rapid than those reported in adults. The maximum concentration of erythropoietin after subcutaneous doses of rHuEPO was variable, but bioavailability was high (42%) compared with values reported in adults. These observations could be useful in optimizing treatment of the anemia of prematurity with rHuEPO.