Preterm infants are at high risk of brain injury. With more understanding of the 
preterm brain injury's pathogenesis, neuroscientists are looking for more 
effective methods to prevent and treat it, among which erythropoietin (Epo) is 
considered as a prime candidate. This review tries to clarify the possible 
mechanisms of Epo in preterm neuroprotection and summarize updated evidence 
considering Epo as a pharmacological neuroprotective strategy in animal models 
and clinical trials. To date, various animal models have validated that Epo is 
an anti-apoptotic, antiinflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-excitotoxic, 
neurogenetic, erythropoietic, angiogenetic, and neurotrophic agent, thus 
preventing preterm brain injury. However, although the scientific rationale and 
preclinical data for Epo's neuroprotective effect are promising, when translated 
to bedside, the results vary in different studies, especially in its long-term 
efficacy. Based on existing evidence, it is still too early to recommend Epo as 
the standard treatment for preterm brain injury.