Serum erythropoietin titres in the anaemia of premature infants

Abstract
Erythropoietin (EPO) titers in the serum of premature infants were determined by an in vitro method using radioiron incorporation into heme in fetal mouse liver cells in culture. The serum EPO titers in 12 premature infants at birth were significantly lower than those of normal adults. In those premature infants who developed anemia the serum EPO titers increased significantly by 4-6 wk after birth, confirming that EPO production increases in premature infants in early days of life.