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.