EPO and Hypertension: Numerous animal studies of Epo for brain injuries, including stroke and perinatal HI, have shown that high-dose recombinant Epo and Epo-mimetics are safe and cross the blood–brain barrier, resulting in neuroprotection.192 Epo pharmacokinetics has been studied using doses from 250 U/kg to 2500 U/kg.193 Phase I/II studies in human preterm193 and term194, 195 neonates, performed to establish feasibility, safety and appropriate dosing, have not identified any of the common side effects observed in adults (polycythaemia, thrombosis, hypertension).