Could a hormone shot save newborns from brain damage?

NCT ID NCT01732146

Completed Disease control Sponsor: Assistance Publique - Hôpitaux de Paris Source: ClinicalTrials.gov ↗

First seen Jun 25, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time

Summary

This phase 3 study tested whether high doses of erythropoietin, a hormone that boosts red blood cell production, could improve survival and brain development in full-term newborns who suffered oxygen deprivation at birth. All 120 babies also received standard cooling therapy. The goal was to see if adding erythropoietin could reduce the risk of long-term disabilities like motor, vision, or hearing problems.

What this could mean

Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.

Active substance: erythropoietin (a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production)
What this could lead to: If it works, this could offer a new treatment to reduce brain damage and disability in newborns who suffered oxygen loss at birth.
What could go wrong: This trial is completed but results are not yet widely confirmed. The treatment is given alongside cooling therapy, and high doses may have side effects. It may not work for all babies.

This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.

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Conditions

The condition(s) this trial relates to.

brain hypoxia - ischemia perinatal asphyxia

As listed by the trial registrant

The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.

HYPOXIC-ISCHEMIC ENCEPHALOPATHY

Contacts and locations

Locations

Cochin Hospital

Paris, 75014, France

More trials for these conditions

Other studies related to the condition(s) this trial covers.