Recombinant human erythropoietin in a triplet pregnancy: a case report

BACKGROUND: Women carrying triplets are at greater risk for both anemia, due to the increased demands of the developingfetuses, and peripartum hemorrhage. Jehovah's witnesses are a unique obstetric population since women of this faith refuse blood transfusion. CASE: A Jehovah's Witness with a triplet pregnancy was successfully administered recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), 200 IU/kg 3 times per week subcutaneously, in order to correct her peripartum anemia. No side effects were observed during rHuEpo therapy, and the patient delivered healthy triplets. CONCLUSION: rHuEpo can be safely administered, with a beneficial effect in pregnancy, and seems to be an effective option in preventing transfusions as demonstrated in this case in a Jehovah's Witness. J Reprod Med