Anemia outcome evaluation

Children with anemia as identified by labs are usually treated with further evaluation performed only if treatment response is inadeqnate. Therapeutic outcomes are assessed in children by checking Hgb, Hct, and RBC indices at 6 to 8 weeks after initiation of iron therapy. In premature infants, Hgb or Hct should be monitored weekly. Reticulocyte counts should be checked at 4 to 6 weeks after birth. Reticulocyte count, Hct, and absolute neutrophil counts are measured before and 1 to 2 weeks after starting EPO treatment. EPO is held for an absolnte neutrophil count of less than 1,000 units/L. Serum ferritin levels may help evaluate infants not responding. Use of EPO in premature infants is not associated with the side effects frequently seen in adults. 

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