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Study flow diagram: review update.
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Figure 1

Study flow diagram: review update.

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.
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Figure 2

Risk of bias graph: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item presented as percentages across all included studies.

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.
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Figure 3

Risk of bias summary: review authors' judgements about each risk of bias item for each included study.

Forest plot of comparison: 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).
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Figure 4

Forest plot of comparison: 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).
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Figure 5

Funnel plot of comparison: 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, outcome: 1.1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).
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Analysis 1.1

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 Use of 1 or more blood transfusions (high dose of EPO).
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Analysis 1.2

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 Use of 1 or more blood transfusions (high dose of EPO).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low‐dose EPO).
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Analysis 1.3

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low‐dose EPO).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant.
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Analysis 1.4

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Number of red blood transfusions per infant.
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Analysis 1.5

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Number of red blood transfusions per infant.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Number of donors to whom the infant was exposed.
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Analysis 1.6

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Number of donors to whom the infant was exposed.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality).
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Analysis 1.7

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages or stage not reported).
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Analysis 1.8

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages or stage not reported).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3).
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Analysis 1.9

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proven sepsis.
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Analysis 1.10

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proven sepsis.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Necrotising enterocolitis (stage not reported).
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Analysis 1.11

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Necrotising enterocolitis (stage not reported).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Intraventricular haemorrhage (all grades).
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Analysis 1.12

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Intraventricular haemorrhage (all grades).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV).
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Analysis 1.13

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Periventricular leukomalacia.
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Analysis 1.14

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Periventricular leukomalacia.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Length of hospital stay (days).
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Analysis 1.15

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Length of hospital stay (days).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
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Analysis 1.16

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Neutropenia.
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Analysis 1.17

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Neutropenia.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 Hypertension.
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Analysis 1.18

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 Hypertension.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 Hemangioma.
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Analysis 1.19

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 Hemangioma.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment at 40 weeks' PMA.
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Analysis 1.20

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment at 40 weeks' PMA.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Infants with white matter injury at term‐corrected PMA.
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Analysis 1.21

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Infants with white matter injury at term‐corrected PMA.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 Infants with white matter signal abnormality at term‐corrected PMA.
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Analysis 1.22

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 Infants with white matter signal abnormality at term‐corrected PMA.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 Infants with periventricular white matter loss at term‐corrected PMA.
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Analysis 1.23

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 Infants with periventricular white matter loss at term‐corrected PMA.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24 Infants with grey matter injury at term‐corrected PMA.
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Analysis 1.24

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24 Infants with grey matter injury at term‐corrected PMA.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25 Survivors at discharge from hospital without severe IVH, PVL, ROP.
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Analysis 1.25

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25 Survivors at discharge from hospital without severe IVH, PVL, ROP.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26 Bayley‐II MDI < 70 at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
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Analysis 1.26

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26 Bayley‐II MDI < 70 at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27 Bayley‐II PDI < 70 at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined).
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Analysis 1.27

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27 Bayley‐II PDI < 70 at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28 Bayley‐II MDI at 18 to 24 months.
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Analysis 1.28

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28 Bayley‐II MDI at 18 to 24 months.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29 Bayley‐II PDI at 18 to 24 months.
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Analysis 1.29

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29 Bayley‐II PDI at 18 to 24 months.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 30 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
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Analysis 1.30

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 30 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 31 Any neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined).
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Analysis 1.31

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 31 Any neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined).

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 32 Visual impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
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Analysis 1.32

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 32 Visual impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 33 Hearing impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.
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Analysis 1.33

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 33 Hearing impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 34 BSID‐III composite cognitive scores at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 1.34

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 34 BSID‐III composite cognitive scores at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 35 BSID‐III composite language score.
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Analysis 1.35

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 35 BSID‐III composite language score.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 36 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score.
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Analysis 1.36

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 36 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 37 BSID‐III object performance (OP) score.
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Analysis 1.37

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 37 BSID‐III object performance (OP) score.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 38 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.38

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 38 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 39 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.39

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 39 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 40 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.40

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 40 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 41 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.41

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 41 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 42 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.42

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 42 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 43 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.43

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 43 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 44 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 1.44

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 44 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 45 Griffiths Developmental Scale at 2 years of age.
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Analysis 1.45

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 45 Griffiths Developmental Scale at 2 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 46 Survival without major neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders at 2 years of age.
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Analysis 1.46

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 46 Survival without major neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders at 2 years of age.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 47 Death or moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months.
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Analysis 1.47

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 47 Death or moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months.

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 48 Moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months.
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Analysis 1.48

Comparison 1 Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 48 Moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions.
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Analysis 2.1

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (all infants).
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Analysis 2.2

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (all infants).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused in transfused infants only.
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Analysis 2.3

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused in transfused infants only.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Number of blood transfusions per infant.
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Analysis 2.4

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 Number of blood transfusions per infant.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Number of donors the infant was exposed to.
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Analysis 2.5

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 Number of donors the infant was exposed to.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality).
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Analysis 2.6

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages).
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Analysis 2.7

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3).
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Analysis 2.8

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Necrotising enterocolitis (> stage 2).
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Analysis 2.9

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 Necrotising enterocolitis (> stage 2).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proven sepsis.
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Analysis 2.10

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 Proven sepsis.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV).
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Analysis 2.11

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Periventricular leukomalacia.
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Analysis 2.12

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 Periventricular leukomalacia.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' PMA).
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Analysis 2.13

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' PMA).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Length of hospital stay (days).
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Analysis 2.14

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Length of hospital stay (days).

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Neutropenia.
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Analysis 2.15

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Neutropenia.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Hypertension.
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Analysis 2.16

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 16 Hypertension.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.17

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 17 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 NDI (with CP, visual defect, hearing defect, or cognitive score < 85) at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.18

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 18 NDI (with CP, visual defect, hearing defect, or cognitive score < 85) at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.19

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 19 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.20

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 20 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Bayley‐III social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.21

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 21 Bayley‐III social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 OP score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 2.22

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 22 OP score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.23

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 23 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.24

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 24 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.25

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 25 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.26

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 26 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.27

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 27 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.28

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 28 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
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Analysis 2.29

Comparison 2 Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 29 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 3.1

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 1 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 3.2

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 2 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months.
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Analysis 3.3

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 3 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 OP score at 18 to 24 months.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.4

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 4 OP score at 18 to 24 months.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ adaptive skills.
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Analysis 3.5

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 5 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ adaptive skills.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ behaviour symptoms.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.6

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 6 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ behaviour symptoms.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 BASC‐2 composite score at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ externalising problems.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.7

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 7 BASC‐2 composite score at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ externalising problems.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ internalising problems.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.8

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 8 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ internalising problems.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.9

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 9 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.10

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 10 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.11

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 11 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.12

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 12 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.13

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 13 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.14

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 14 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years.

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years.
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 3.15

Comparison 3 Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment, Outcome 15 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years.

Comparison 4 Erythropoietin versus placebo to improve feeding intolerance, Outcome 1 Time to achieve full enteral feeding (days).
Figuras y tablas -
Analysis 4.1

Comparison 4 Erythropoietin versus placebo to improve feeding intolerance, Outcome 1 Time to achieve full enteral feeding (days).

Erythropoietin compared with placebo or no treatment for complications of preterm birth ‐ primary outcomes

Patient or population: preterm infants with low birth weight

Settings: NICU

Intervention: EPO

Comparison: placebo or no treatment

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No. of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo or no treatment

EPO

Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO)

High‐risk population

RR: 0.79 (95% CI 0.74 to 0.85)

1750
(19)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low

Bias: We had concerns about performance bias and detection bias in 10 of the studies. We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: I2 for the typical RR was 69% and for the typical RD 62% (both moderate quality). We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1750), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot was symmetrical for all larger studies.

694 per 1000

522 per 1000
(0 to 1000)

Any neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined)

High‐risk population

RR: 0.62 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.80)

1130

(4)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low

Bias: We had concerns about performance bias and detection bias in 1 of the studies, the largest (n = 613) (Song 2016). This study carried a weight of 48.7% in the analysis. We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: I2 for the typical RR was 76% (high) and for the typical RD 66% (moderate). We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1130), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: Although only 4 studies were included in the funnel plot, the funnel plot was symmetrical.

210 per 1000

128 per 1000
(71 to 438)

Bayley‐II MDI at 18 to 24 months

Bayley Scales of Infant Development, Second Edition, yields 2 single age‐standardised composite scores (range 50 to 150): a Mental Development Index (MDI), which measures cognition through sensory perception, knowledge, memory, problem‐solving and early language abilities; and a Psychomotor Development Index (PDI), which assesses fine and gross motor skills.

Mean Bayley‐II MDI ranged across control groups from 84.1 to 94.5.

Mean Bayley‐II MDI at 18 to 24 months in the intervention groups was 8.22 higher (95% CI 6.52 to 9.92)

WMD: 8.22 (95% CI 6.52 to 9.92)

981
(3)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low

Bias: We had concerns about performance bias and detection bias in one of the studies (Song 2016). We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step. Song 2016 carried a weight in the analysis of 76.2%.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: I2 for the WMD was 97% (high). We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 981), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: As only 3 studies were included, we did not prepare a funnel plot.

Necrotising enterocolitis (stage not reported)

High‐risk population

RR: 0.69 (95% CI 0.52 to 0.91)

2639
(15)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate

Bias: We had concerns about performance bias and detection bias in 6 of the studies, especially for Song 2016, the only study that showed a significant reduction in NEC. It carried a weight in the analysis of 47.8%. We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: I2 for the typical RR was 0% and for the typical RD 22% (both low).

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 2639), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot was symmetrical.

84 per 1000

57 per 1000
(0 to 143)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; EPO: erythropoietin; MDI: Mental Development Index; NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; NEC: necrotising enterocolitis; PDI: Psychomotor Development Index; RD: risk difference; RR: risk ratio; WMD: weighted mean difference.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence.
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -

Erythropoietin compared with placebo or no treatment for complications of preterm birth

Patient or population: preterm infants with low birth weight

Settings: NICU

Intervention: EPO

Comparison: placebo or no treatment

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No. of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo or no treatment

EPO

Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality)

High‐risk population

RR: 0.89 (95% CI 0.68 to 1.16)

2212
(20)

⊕⊕⊕⊕
high

Bias: We had concerns about bias (lack of blinding) in 10 of the included studies, but the outcome of mortality is not likely to be affected by researchers knowing the treatment assignment. We did not downgrade the quality of evidence on this item.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: We noted no heterogeneity (I2 = 0%).

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (2212), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot was symmetrical.

92 per 1000

82 per 1000
(0 to 172)

Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3)

High‐risk population

RR: 1.24 (95% CI 0.81 to 1.90)

1283
(8)

⊕⊕⊕⊕
high

Bias: We found no risk of bias in any of the studies, except in the smallest study that enrolled 40 neonates. We did not downgrade the quality of evidence.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: We noted no heterogeneity for RR (I2 = 0%) and low (I2 = 34%) heterogeneity for RD.

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1283), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot, which included 8 studies, was symmetrical.

53 per 1000

65 per 1000
(0 to 195)

Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV)

High‐risk population

RR: 0.60 (95% CI 0.43 to 0.85)

1460
(8)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate

Bias:The intervention was not blinded in the largest study, Song 2016 (n= 743). That study carried a weight of 72.8% in the analysis and was the only individual study that showed a significant reduction in IVH (grades III and IV). We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: Heterogeneity was low (I2 = 45%).

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1460), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot, which included 8 studies, was symmetrical.

111 per 1000

67 per 1000
(0 to 126)

Periventricular leukomalacia

High‐risk population

RR: 0.66 (95% CI 0.48 to 0.92)

1469
(6)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate

Bias: The intervention was not blinded in the largest study, Song 2016 (n = 743). That study carried a weight of 89.2% in the analysis and was the only individual study that showed a significant reduction in PVL. We downgraded the quality of the evidence by 1 step.
Heterogeneity/Consistency: We noted no heterogeneity (I2 = 5%).

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1469), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: The funnel plot, which included 6 studies, was symmetrical.

111 per 1000

71 per 1000
(0 to 150)

Survivors at discharge from hospital without severe IVH, PVL, ROP

High‐risk population

RR: 1.00 (95% CI 0.93 to 1.08)

443
(1)

⊕⊕⊕⊕
high

Bias: We noted low risk of bias.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: N/A, as only 1 study.

Directness of evidence: The study was conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the relatively large sample size (n = 443), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: As only 1 study was included, we did not develop a funnel plot.

855 per 1000

856 per 1000

Time to achieve full enteral feeding (days)

Mean time to achieve full enteral feeding was 16.3 days (SD 5.3) in the control group.

Mean time to achieve full enteral feeding in the intervention groups was 2.90 days shorter.

MD: ‐2.90 (95% CI ‐5.77 to ‐0.03)

50
(1)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low

Bias: We had concerns about blinding of the intervention and outcome assessments. We downgraded the quality of evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: N/A, as only 1 study.

Directness of evidence: The study was conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the small sample size (n = 50), the 95% CI around the point estimate was wide.

Presence of publication bias: As only 1 study was included, we did not prepare a funnel plot.

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; EPO: erythropoietin; IVH: intraventricular haemorrhage; MD: mean difference; N/A: not applicable; NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; PVL: periventricular leukomalacia; RD: risk difference; ROP: retinopathy of prematurity; RR: risk ratio; SD: standard deviation.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence.
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -

Erythropoietin compared with placebo or no treatment for complications of preterm birth ‐ long‐term outcomes

Patient or population: preterm infants with low birth weight

Settings: NICU

Intervention: EPO

Comparison: placebo or no treatment

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No. of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Placebo

EPO

Cerebral palsy at 18 to 24 months' corrected age

High‐risk population

RR: 0.72 (95% CI 0.46 to 1.13)

1172
(6)

⊕⊕⊕⊕
high

Bias: Low risk of bias. All assessors of long‐term outcomes were blinded in all trials. In Song 2016, treatment allocation was known to caregivers and probably parents, who could have possibly disclosed that information to assessors at long‐term follow‐up. We did not downgrade the quality of the evidence.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: Heterogeneity was low for this outcome (I2 = 48%). We did not downgraded the evidence.

Directness of evidence: Studies were conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the large sample size (n = 1172), the point estimate was precise with a narrow 95% CI.

Presence of publication bias: We included 6 studies in the analysis; we did prepare a funnel plot, which was symmetrical.

70 per 1000

50 per 1000
(0 to 285)

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
CI: confidence interval; EPO: erythropoietin; NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; RR: risk ratio; WMD: weighted mean difference.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence.
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -

Darbe or EPO (ESA) compared with sham injection for neuro protection ‐ long‐term outcomes

Patient or population: neonates born preterm with low birth weight

Settings: NICU

Intervention: Darbe or EPO (ESA)

Comparison: sham injection

Outcomes

Illustrative comparative risks* (95% CI)

Relative effect
(95% CI)

No. of participants
(studies)

Quality of the evidence
(GRADE)

Comments

Assumed risk

Corresponding risk

Sham injection

ESA

BSID‐III composite cognitive scores at 18 to 22 months

The Bayley‐III has 3 main sub tests: the Cognitive Scale, which includes items such as attention to familiar and unfamiliar objects, looking for a fallen object, and pretend play; the Language Scale, which taps understanding and expression of language, for example, recognising objects and people, following directions, and naming objects and pictures; and the Motor Scale, which assesses gross and fine motor skills such as grasping, sitting, stacking blocks, and climbing stairs.

Mean BSID‐III in the control group was 88.7 units (SD 13.5).

Mean BSID‐III in the intervention group was 7.80 units higher.

MD 7.80 (95% CI 1.65 to 13.95)

80
(1)

⊕⊕⊕⊝
moderate

Bias: Risk of bias was low, but the sample followed was small. We did not reduce the quality of evidence.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: Only 1 study was included, so the test for heterogeneity was N/A.

Directness of evidence: The study was conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the small sample size (n = 80), the point estimate had a wide 95% CI. We downgraded the quality of evidence by 1 step.

Presence of publication bias: N/A, as only 1 study was included.

WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age

Composite scores have a mean of 100 and a standard deviation of 15.

Average is 90 to 109.

Mean WPPSI‐III FSIQ in the control group was 79.2 units (SD 18,5).

Mean WPPSI‐III FSIQ in the intervention group was 11.90 units higher.

MD 11.90 (95% CI 0.76 to 23.04)

53
(1)

⊕⊕⊝⊝
low

Bias: Risk of bias was low, but the sample followed was even smaller than at 18 to 22 months of age (n = 53). We did reduce the quality of evidence by 1 step.

Heterogeneity/Consistency: Only 1 study was included, so the test for heterogeneity was N/A.

Directness of evidence: The study was conducted in the target population.

Precision: Because of the small sample size (n = 53), the point estimate had a large 95% CI. We downgraded the quality of evidence by 1 step.

Presence of publication bias: N/A, as only 1 study was included,

*The basis for the assumed risk (e.g. the median control group risk across studies) is provided in footnotes. The corresponding risk (and its 95% confidence interval) is based on the assumed risk in the comparison group and the relative effect of the intervention (and its 95% CI).
BSID‐III: Bayley Scales of Infant Development ‐ Third Edition; CI: confidence interval; EPO: erythropoietin; ESA: erythropoiesis‐stimulating agent; MD: mean difference; N/A: not applicable; NICU: neonatal intensive care unit; RR: risk ratio; SD: standard deviation; WPPSI‐III FSIQ: Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence ‐ Third Edition.

GRADE Working Group grades of evidence.
High quality: Further research is very unlikely to change our confidence in the estimate of effect.
Moderate quality: Further research is likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and may change the estimate.
Low quality: Further research is very likely to have an important impact on our confidence in the estimate of effect and is likely to change the estimate.
Very low quality: We are very uncertain about the estimate.

Figuras y tablas -
Table 1. Transfusion guidelines

Reference

Indications

Arif 2005

Infants with Hgb concentrations < 7 g/dL and with a reticulocyte count lower than < 100,000/µL or Hgb concentrations < 8 g/dL having bradycardia, tachypnoea, or apnoea, or who were not able to gain weight despite adequate calorie intake, were chosen as candidates for blood transfusion.

Avent 2002

Infants received blood transfusions if they met the following criteria:
1. Hgb of 10 g/dL and 1 of the following: (i) an oxygen requirement greater than 30%; (ii) less than 1250 grams body weight
2. Hgb < 8 g/dL and 1 of the following: (i) 3 or more episodes of apnoea (respiration absent for 20 seconds) or bradycardia (heart rate < 100 beats/min) in a 24‐hour period not due to other causes and not responsive to methylxanthine treatment; (ii) fractional inspired oxygen concentrations increasing by > 10% per week; and (iii) tachycardia (> 170 beats/min) or tachypnoea (> 70 breaths/min) sustained over a 24‐hour period associated with acute cardiac decompression

Carnielli 1992

Infants were transfused during the first week of life with packed erythrocytes if the Hct level was < 42% or 36%, depending on whether or not the patient was receiving supplemental oxygen. After the first week of life, indications for transfusions were Hct < 36% for oxygen‐dependent patients and 32% if breathing room air. Anaemia was the only indication for giving packed erythrocytes to all infants.

Carnielli 1998

Infants received transfusions of packed cells during the first week of life if their peripheral Hct (heel stick) was < 42% or 36%, depending on whether or not the patient was receiving supplemental oxygen.
After the first week of life, indications for transfusion were Hct < 36% for oxygen‐dependent patients and 32% if in room air. Hct concentrations for red blood cell transfusions for blood obtained from venipuncture or arterial samples were 4% lower than the above mentioned values (38% and 32% for oxygen‐dependent and non‐oxygen‐dependent patients in the first week, and 0.32 and 0.28 thereafter). All infants received dedicated units of red blood cells.

Chang 1998

Transfusion guidelines not provided

El‐Ganzoury 2014

Transfusion guidelines not provided

Fauchère 2008

Transfusion guidelines not provided

Fauchère 2015

Transfusion guidelines not provided

Haiden 2005

Infants were transfused at Hct < 20%:
1. if asymptomatic with reticulocytes < 100,000/µL

Infants were transfused at Hct < 30%:
1. if receiving < 35% supplemental hood oxygen
2. if on CPAP or mechanical ventilation with mean air way pressure < 6 cmH2O
3. if significant apnoea and bradycardia are noted (> 9 episodes in 12 hours or 2 episodes in 24 hours requiring bag and mask ventilation) while receiving therapeutic doses of methylxanthines
4. if heart rate > 180 beats/min or respiratory rate > 80 breaths/min persists for 24 hours
5. if weight gain < 10 g/d is observed over 4 days while receiving > 100 kcal/kg/d
6. if undergoing surgery

Transfuse for Hct < 35%
1. if receiving > 35% supplemental hood oxygen
2. if intubated on CPAP or mechanical ventilation with mean airway pressure > 6 to 8 cmH2O
Do not transfuse:
1. to replace blood removed for laboratory tests alone
2. for low Hct alone

He 2008

Transfusion guidelines are not reported in the English abstract of this study. We have requested the full text in Chinese from trial authors.

Khatami 2008

"Guidelines for red‐cell transfusions were based on the relatively strict existing policy in the nursery which was used to administer transfusions during the study period".

Kremenopoulos 1997A

Transfusions were ordered by the clinicians caring for each infant without consulting the investigators, based on general guidelines for erythrocyte transfusions. According to these guidelines, neonates who were well received transfusions if their hematocrit was < 30% during the third week, < 25% during the fourth week, and < 23% after the first month of life, combined with signs referable to their anaemia, such as poor weight gain, episodes of persistent bradycardia or tachycardia, and apnoea. Neonates with severe respiratory disease (bronchopulmonary dysplasia), particularly those requiring oxygen and/or ventilator support, were given transfusions to maintain their hematocrit level at > 40%.

Kremenopoulos 1997B

See Kremenopoulos 1997A,

Lauterbach 1995

Transfusion was given when the Hct level reached 28% and if clinical symptoms of tachypnoea, tachycardia, and bradycardia were present at Hct of 0.32.

Lima‐Rogel 1998

According to criteria published by Klaus and Fanaroff (see text for more info)

Maier 1994

Infants who were receiving ventilation or who were less than 2 weeks old and had signs of anaemia were given transfusions if their Hct fell below 40%, their Hgb concentration fell below 14 g/dL (8.7 mmol/L), or blood samples totaling at least 9 mL/kg had been obtained from them since their previous transfusion.
Spontaneously breathing infants, more than 2 weeks old, whose FiO2 was < 0.40, were given transfusions if they had signs of anaemia and their Hct fell below 32% and their Hgb concentration below 11 g/dL (6.8 mmol/L); if they had signs of anaemia, corresponding cutoff values were 27% and 9 g/dL (5.6 mmol/L).

Maier 2002

Infants with artificial ventilation or > 40% of inspired oxygen were not transfused unless Hct dropped below 0.40.
Spontaneously breathing infants were not transfused unless Hct dropped below 0.35 during the first 2 weeks of life, 0.30 during the third to fourth weeks, and 0.25 thereafter. Transfusion was allowed when life‐threatening anaemia or hypovolaemia was assumed by the treating neonatologist, or surgery was planned. Twelve of the 14 centres used satellite packs of the original red cell pack to reduce donor exposure.

Meister 1997

Infants more than 2 weeks old who had been breathing spontaneously and whose FiO2 was less than 0.40 were given transfusions if they had signs of anaemia and their Hct fell below 11 g/dL (6.8 mmol/L); if they had no signs of anaemia, corresponding cutoff values were 27% and 9 g/dL (5.6 mmol/L).

Meyer 2003

Indications for transfusions were:
1. Hct of 36% to 40% and critically ill with requirement for oxygen > 45% via CPAP; ventilation (mean airway pressure > 10 cmH2O); severe sepsis; active bleeding
2. Hct of 31% to 35% and requirement for oxygen (up to 45%) via CPAP; ventilation (mean airway pressure 7 to 10 cmH2O)
3. Hct of 21% to 30% and gain less than 10 g/d averaged over 1 week; experienced at least 10 to 12 apneic or bradycardic episodes in 12 hours or 2 or more such episodes requiring bag and mask ventilation within a 24‐hour period, not owing to other causes and not responsive to methylxanthine treatment; had a sustained tachycardia (> 170 beats/min) or tachypnoea (> 70/min) per 24 hours and not attributable to other causes; developed cardiac decompensation secondary to a clinically apparent patent ductus arteriosus; positive‐pressure ventilation on low settings (mean airway pressure < 7 cmH2O) or nasal CPAP; those requiring surgery
4. Hct 20% and reticulocyte count < 100 × 109/L

Obladen 1991

Indications for transfusion of packed red cells:
1. If venous Hct < 42%, Hgb < 14 g/dL or > 9 mL/kg blood sampled since last transfusion transfuse if infant is ventilated or requires FiO2 > 0.40
2. If age 1 to 2 weeks and symptoms of anaemia (apneic spells, distended abdomen, failure to thrive), transfuse if venous Hct < 36%, Hgb < 12 g/dL, or > 9 mL/kg blood sampled since last transfusion.
3. If age 3 to 5 weeks and symptoms of anaemia (apneic spells, distended abdomen, failure to thrive), transfuse if venous Hct < 30%, Hgb < 10 g/dL or > 9 mL/kg blood sampled since last transfusion.
4. If no symptoms of anaemia, transfuse at any age if venous Hct is < 27%, Hgb < 9 g/dL.

Ohls 1995

Transfusions were given during the first 3 weeks of life if Hct was < 33%, and if the infant had 1 or more symptoms thought to be due strictly to anaemia. Symptoms were defined as tachycardia (heart rate > 160 beats/min, calculated as the average of all heart rates recorded by the bedside nurse during the preceding 24‐hour period), an increasing oxygen requirement (an increase in fraction of inspired oxygen of > 0.20 during a 24‐hour period), "lethargy" as assessed by the primary caregiver, or an increase in the number of episodes of bradycardia requiring stimulation to increase the heart rate from less than 60 beats/min (an increase of such episodes by 3 or more per day). Infants in both groups whose Hct were > 33% and yet whose phlebotomy losses exceeded 10 mL/kg body weight received an infusion of 5% albumin, administered in aliquots of not less than 10 mL/kg. Infants were not given transfusions if they were free of symptoms, even if Hct fell to < 33%.

Ohls 1997

Transfusions were administered in both groups according to standardised transfusion criteria: For infants requiring mechanical ventilation, transfusions were given if Hct fell below 33%. For infants not receiving ventilatory support, transfusions were given if Hct fell below 28%, and if the infant was experiencing symptoms. Symptoms were defined as tachycardia (heart rate > 160 beats/min, calculated as the average of all heart rates recorded by the bedside nurse over the preceding 24‐hour period), an increasing oxygen requirement (an increase in FiO2 of > 0.20 over a 24‐hour period, or an elevated lactate level (> 2.5 mmol/L). In some instances, a new donor would be used each day for the newborn intensive care unit (University of Florida), and in other instances, a unit would be dedicated to a single infant for the life of the unit (University of New Mexico and University of Utah).

Ohls 2001A

If Hct ≤ 35%/Hgb ≤ 11 g/dL, transfuse infants requiring moderate or significant mechanical ventilation (MAP > 8 cmH2O and FiO2 > 0.4).
If Hct ≤ 30%/Hgb ≤ 10 g/dL, transfuse infants requiring minimal respiratory support (any mechanical ventilation or endotracheal/nasal CPAP > 6 cmH2O and FiO2 ≤ 0.4).
If Hct ≤ 25%/Hgb ≤ 8 g/dL, transfuse infants not requiring mechanical ventilation but who are on supplemental O2 or CPAP with an FiO2 ≤ 0.4 and in whom 1 or more of the following is present: 24 hours of tachycardia (180 beats/min) or tachypnoea (>80 breaths/min), an increased oxygen requirement from the previous 48 hours, defined as 4‐fold increase in nasal cannula flow (i.e. 0.25 L/min to 1 L/min), or an increase in nasal CPAP of 20% from the previous 48 hours (i.e. 5 cm to 6 cmH2O), weight gain < 10 g/kg/d over the previous 4 days while receiving 100 kcal/kg/d, increase in episodes of apnoea and bradycardia (> 9 episodes in a 24‐hour period or 2 episodes in 24 hours requiring bag‐mask ventilation) while receiving therapeutic doses of methylxanthines, undergoing surgery.
If Hct ≤ 25%/Hgb ≤ 7 g/dL, transfuse asymptomatic infants with absolute reticulocyte count < 100,000 cells/µL.

Ohls 2001B

See Ohls 2001A.

Ohls 2013

The PRBC volume transfused was based on Hct/Hgb, respiratory support, and/or symptoms.

If Hct ≤ 30/Hgb ≤ 10 and the infant required moderate/significant ventilation (MAP > 8 cmH2O and FiO2 > 0.4), the PRBC volume to be transfused was 15 to 20 mL/kg.
If Hct ≤ 25/Hgb ≤ 8 and the infant required minimal respiratory support (any mechanical ventilation with FiO2 ≤ 0.4, or CPAP > 6 cmH2O and FiO2≤ 0.4), the PRBC volume to be transfused was 20 mL/kg.
If Hct was ≤ 20/Hgb ≤ 7 and the infant required supplemental oxygen or CPAP with FiO2 ≤ 0.4, and at least 1 of the following:
1. ≥ 24 hours of tachycardia (heart rate > 180) or tachypnoea (RR > 60)
2. doubling of the oxygen requirement from the previous 48 hours
3. lactate ≥ 2.5 mEq/L or an acute metabolic acidosis (pH 7.20)
4. weight gain < 10 g/kg/d over the previous 4 days while receiving ≥ 120 kcal/kg/d
5. undergoing surgery within 24 hours

PRBC volume to be transfused was 20 mL/kg.

If Hct ≤18/Hgb ≤ 6 and the infant was asymptomatic and absolute reticulocyte count (ARC) was < 100,000 cells/µL, the PRBC volume to be transfused was 20 mL/kg.

Peltoniemi 2017

Infants with the following respiratory needs received 10 to 15 mL/kg of RBC volume based on Hct:
1. < 0.40 mechanical ventilation, FiO2 > 0.40
2. < 0.35 mechanical ventilation, FiO2 < 0.40, or use of nasal CPAP at the age of < 2 weeks
3. < 0.30 supplemental oxygen, nasal CPAP, or apneas during later neonatal period
4. < 0.25 no symptoms during later neonatal period

Qiao 2017

Transfusion guidelines not reported

Salvado 2000

Preterm infants with Hct < 20%
Preterm infants with Hct < 30% when presenting with frequent apneas, or tachycardia > 180 beats/min, or requiring surgery

Song 2016

Blood transfusion criteria followed strict clinical criteria as used by Vázquez López 2011.

Soubasi 1993

Neonates who were well were transfused if their Hct was < 25% combined with signs referable to their anaemia, such as poor weight gain, persistent episodes of bradycardia or tachypnoea, and apnoea. Neonates with severe respiratory disease (BPD), particularly those requiring oxygen and/or ventilator support, received transfusions to maintain Hct level at > 40%.

Soubasi 1995

Infants who were receiving mechanical ventilation or who were less than 2 weeks old were given transfusion if their Hct fell below 40%. Spontaneously breathing infants more than 2 weeks old whose FiO2 was less than 0.35 were given transfusion if they had signs of anaemia and their Hct fell below 30%; if they had no signs of anaemia, transfusion was given if Hct fell below 0.25. Growing, asymptomatic infants were transfused if Hct fell below 20%. Signs of anaemia included tachycardia, (> 170 beats/min) or tachypnoea (> 70/min) sustained over a 24‐hour period or associated with acute cardiac decompression; recurrent apnoea (respirations absent for 20 seconds) or bradycardia (heart rate < 100 beats/min) in a 24‐hour period not due to other causes and not responsive to methylxanthine treatment; an increase in fractional oxygen requirement by 20% or more over a 24‐hour period; or weight gain < 10 g/d averaged over a 1‐week period while on adequate caloric intake.

Soubasi 2000

Neonates were transfused when Hct was < 20%, if they were asymptomatic, or < 30% if they were receiving O2 < 0.35 and/or unexplained breathing disorders combined with signs referable to their anaemia, such as poor weight gain, episodes of persistent bradycardia or tachycardia.

Yasmeen 2012

After discharge from hospital, any patient with Hgb level ≤ 7 g/dL was readmitted to the hospital and managed with packed red cell transfusion.

Yeo 2001

Infants who were receiving mechanical ventilation or who were less than 2 weeks old were given transfusion if their Hct fell below 40%. Spontaneously breathing infants more than 2 weeks old whose FiO2 was less than 35% were given transfusion if they had signs of anaemia and their Hct fell below 30%; if they had no signs of anaemia, transfusion was given if Hct fell below 25%. Growing, asymptomatic infants were transfused if Hct fell below 20%. Signs of anaemia included tachycardia, (> 170 beats/min) or tachypnoea (> 70/min) sustained over a 24‐hour period or associated with acute cardiac decompression; recurrent apnoea (respirations absent for 20 seconds) or bradycardia (heart rate < 100 beats/min) in a 24‐hour period not due to other causes and not responsive to methylxanthine treatment; increased fractional oxygen requirement by 20% or more over a 24‐hour period; or weight gain < 10 g/d averaged over a 1‐week period while on adequate caloric intake.

ARC: absolute reticulocyte count.
BPD: bronchopulmonary dysplasia.
CPAP: continuous positive airway pressure.
FiO2: fraction of inspired oxygen.
Hct: hematocrit.
Hgb: haemoglobin.
MAP: mean airway pressure.
PRBC: packed red blood cells.
RBC: red blood cell.
RR: respiratory rate.

Figuras y tablas -
Table 1. Transfusion guidelines
Comparison 1. Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low and high doses of EPO) Show forest plot

19

1750

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.74, 0.85]

2 Use of 1 or more blood transfusions (high dose of EPO) Show forest plot

17

1317

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.79 [0.74, 0.86]

2.1 High‐dose iron

11

863

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.84 [0.77, 0.92]

2.2 Low‐dose iron

6

454

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.71 [0.62, 0.82]

3 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions (low‐dose EPO) Show forest plot

4

484

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.77 [0.65, 0.91]

3.1 High‐dose iron

2

322

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.75 [0.61, 0.93]

3.2 Low‐dose iron

2

162

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.60, 1.07]

4 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant Show forest plot

7

581

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐6.82 [‐11.52, ‐2.11]

5 Number of red blood transfusions per infant Show forest plot

16

1744

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.57 [‐0.68, ‐0.45]

6 Number of donors to whom the infant was exposed Show forest plot

5

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

6.1 Among all randomised infants

3

254

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.54 [‐0.89, ‐0.20]

6.2 Among infants who were transfused

2

290

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.05 [‐0.33, 0.42]

7 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality) Show forest plot

20

2212

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.89 [0.68, 1.16]

8 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages or stage not reported) Show forest plot

11

2185

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.92 [0.79, 1.08]

9 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3) Show forest plot

8

1283

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.24 [0.81, 1.90]

10 Proven sepsis Show forest plot

12

2180

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.87 [0.74, 1.02]

11 Necrotising enterocolitis (stage not reported) Show forest plot

15

2639

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.69 [0.52, 0.91]

12 Intraventricular haemorrhage (all grades) Show forest plot

10

1226

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.76, 1.26]

13 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV) Show forest plot

8

1460

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.43, 0.85]

14 Periventricular leukomalacia Show forest plot

6

1469

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.66 [0.48, 0.92]

15 Length of hospital stay (days) Show forest plot

8

970

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐3.20 [‐5.34, ‐1.06]

16 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia Show forest plot

13

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

Subtotals only

16.1 Supplemental oxygen at 28 days of age

2

136

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.86 [0.50, 1.47]

16.2 Supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks

7

1719

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.95 [0.81, 1.11]

16.3 Age at diagnosis not stated

5

528

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.98 [0.61, 1.56]

17 Neutropenia Show forest plot

10

966

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.81 [0.53, 1.24]

18 Hypertension Show forest plot

6

706

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.97 [0.14, 6.69]

19 Hemangioma Show forest plot

1

443

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.33 [0.79, 2.26]

20 Neonatal Behavioral Neurological Assessment at 40 weeks' PMA Show forest plot

1

44

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.80 [1.26, 2.34]

21 Infants with white matter injury at term‐corrected PMA Show forest plot

1

165

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.61 [0.37, 1.00]

22 Infants with white matter signal abnormality at term‐corrected PMA Show forest plot

1

165

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.23 [0.05, 1.01]

23 Infants with periventricular white matter loss at term‐corrected PMA Show forest plot

1

165

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.32, 0.97]

24 Infants with grey matter injury at term‐corrected PMA Show forest plot

1

165

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.34 [0.13, 0.87]

25 Survivors at discharge from hospital without severe IVH, PVL, ROP Show forest plot

1

443

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.00 [0.93, 1.08]

26 Bayley‐II MDI < 70 at 18 to 24 months' corrected age Show forest plot

4

1071

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.55 [0.39, 0.77]

27 Bayley‐II PDI < 70 at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined) Show forest plot

3

458

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.43 [0.88, 2.33]

28 Bayley‐II MDI at 18 to 24 months Show forest plot

3

981

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.22 [6.52, 9.92]

29 Bayley‐II PDI at 18 to 24 months Show forest plot

1

3

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

30 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 24 months' corrected age Show forest plot

6

1172

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.72 [0.46, 1.13]

31 Any neurodevelopmental impairment at 18 to 22 months' corrected age (in children examined) Show forest plot

4

1130

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.62 [0.48, 0.80]

32 Visual impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age Show forest plot

5

1132

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.80 [0.26, 2.49]

33 Hearing impairment at 18 to 24 months' corrected age Show forest plot

5

1132

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.41 [0.13, 1.23]

34 BSID‐III composite cognitive scores at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

9.20 [1.70, 16.70]

35 BSID‐III composite language score Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

6.30 [‐2.20, 14.80]

36 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.90 [‐7.84, 13.64]

37 BSID‐III object performance (OP) score Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.20 [‐0.32, 0.72]

38 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

10.42 [‐1.96, 22.80]

39 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

10.64 [‐0.73, 22.01]

40 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

10.12 [‐2.67, 22.91]

41 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.12 [‐8.37, 14.61]

42 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

6.82 [‐1.97, 15.61]

43 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

6.74 [‐4.56, 18.04]

44 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

38

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

6.86 [‐4.56, 18.28]

45 Griffiths Developmental Scale at 2 years of age Show forest plot

1

19

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

3.0 [‐3.75, 9.75]

46 Survival without major neurological or neurodevelopmental disorders at 2 years of age Show forest plot

2

404

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.99 [0.91, 1.08]

47 Death or moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months Show forest plot

1

668

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.48 [0.35, 0.67]

48 Moderate/severe neurological disability at 18 to 24 months Show forest plot

1

613

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.38 [0.24, 0.60]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 1. Erythropoietin versus placebo or no treatment
Comparison 2. Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Use of 1 or more red blood cell transfusions Show forest plot

1

66

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.62 [0.38, 1.02]

2 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused per infant (all infants) Show forest plot

1

66

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐21.0 [‐50.72, 8.72]

3 Total volume (mL/kg) of blood transfused in transfused infants only Show forest plot

1

34

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐5.10 [‐53.71, 43.51]

4 Number of blood transfusions per infant Show forest plot

1

66

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐1.2 [‐2.48, 0.08]

5 Number of donors the infant was exposed to Show forest plot

1

66

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐0.5 [‐1.10, 0.10]

6 Mortality during initial hospital stay (all causes of mortality) Show forest plot

1

66

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.67 [0.12, 3.73]

7 Retinopathy of prematurity (all stages) Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.50, 1.75]

8 Retinopathy of prematurity (stage ≥ 3) Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.47 [0.09, 2.37]

9 Necrotising enterocolitis (> stage 2) Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.94 [0.14, 6.24]

10 Proven sepsis Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.13 [0.38, 3.30]

11 Intraventricular haemorrhage (grades III and IV) Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [0.11, 1.41]

12 Periventricular leukomalacia Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

13 Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (supplemental oxygen at 36 weeks' PMA) Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.03 [0.73, 1.46]

14 Length of hospital stay (days) Show forest plot

1

62

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.0 [‐17.84, 21.84]

15 Neutropenia Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.0 [0.0, 0.0]

16 Hypertension Show forest plot

1

62

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

1.88 [0.18, 19.63]

17 Cerebral palsy at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.08 [0.00, 1.40]

18 NDI (with CP, visual defect, hearing defect, or cognitive score < 85) at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Risk Ratio (M‐H, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.27 [0.08, 0.86]

19 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.5 [1.44, 13.56]

20 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.80 [1.57, 16.03]

21 Bayley‐III social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

6.80 [‐3.82, 17.42]

22 OP score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

51

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.60 [0.17, 1.03]

23 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

15.27 [2.60, 27.94]

24 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

9.17 [‐2.86, 21.20]

25 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

14.97 [1.89, 28.05]

26 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.94 [‐4.18, 20.06]

27 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

10.81 [2.83, 18.79]

28 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

12.77 [2.68, 22.86]

29 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

29

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.77 [‐2.47, 20.01]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 2. Darbepoetin alfa versus placebo or no treatment
Comparison 3. Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 BSID‐III composite cognitive score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

80

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.80 [1.65, 13.95]

2 BSID‐III composite language score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

80

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.10 [0.49, 13.71]

3 BSID‐III composite social/emotional score at 18 to 22 months Show forest plot

1

80

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

4.20 [‐5.06, 13.46]

4 OP score at 18 to 24 months Show forest plot

1

80

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

0.40 [‐0.04, 0.84]

5 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ adaptive skills Show forest plot

1

49

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

2.54 [‐3.58, 8.66]

6 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ behaviour symptoms Show forest plot

1

49

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐8.66 [‐18.01, 0.69]

7 BASC‐2 composite score at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ externalising problems Show forest plot

1

49

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐8.0 [‐15.94, ‐0.06]

8 BASC‐2 composite scores at 3.5 to 4 years ‐ internalising problems Show forest plot

1

49

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.56 [‐9.25, 4.13]

9 WPPSI‐III FSIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

11.90 [0.76, 23.04]

10 WPPSI‐III VIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.80 [‐1.75, 19.35]

11 WPPSI‐III PIQ at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

13.5 [1.98, 25.02]

12 WPPSI‐III GLC at 3.5 to 4 years of age Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

5.13 [‐5.30, 15.56]

13 Executive function at 3.5 to 4 years Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

8.36 [0.51, 16.21]

14 Working memory at 3.5 to 4 years Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

9.06 [‐1.06, 19.18]

15 Inhibition at 3.5 to 4 years Show forest plot

1

53

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

7.60 [‐2.79, 17.99]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 3. Darbepoetin alfa or erythropoietin (erythropoiesis‐stimulating agents ‐ ESAs) versus placebo or no treatment
Comparison 4. Erythropoietin versus placebo to improve feeding intolerance

Outcome or subgroup title

No. of studies

No. of participants

Statistical method

Effect size

1 Time to achieve full enteral feeding (days) Show forest plot

1

50

Mean Difference (IV, Fixed, 95% CI)

‐2.90 [‐5.77, ‐0.03]

Figuras y tablas -
Comparison 4. Erythropoietin versus placebo to improve feeding intolerance