Recombinant human erythropoietin: effect on the functional performance of anemic orthopedic patients.
OBJECTIVE
To determine whether rapid correction of anemia improves the functional and cognitive performance of postoperative orthopedic patients.


METHODS
A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial.


METHODS
A rehabilitation institute.


METHODS
Persons having orthopedic surgery at least 2 weeks previously, and a hemoglobin concentration < 10g/dL.


METHODS
Recombinant human erythropoietin (rH-EPO) or the EPO vehicle for up to 8 weeks. All patients received ferrous sulfate.


METHODS
Blood counts were performed at weekly intervals, and functional and cognitive tests at baseline and weeks 4 and 8.


RESULTS
In patients receiving vehicle only, hemoglobin levels increased from a mean of 9.0 at baseline to 11.0 at 4 weeks and 11.7 at 8 weeks; corresponding values for rH-EPO were 8.8 (p = NS), 12.6 (p = .02), and 13.5 (p = .01). However, functional improvement in dressing, toileting, and mobility was similar between groups, and the results of neuropsychological tests showed no trends favoring rH-EPO.


CONCLUSIONS
Although hemoglobin increases more rapidly in anemic orthopedic patients treated with rH-EPO, equally rapid functional improvement occurs in those who receive only iron therapy.
Green
D
D
Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL, USA.
Lawler
M
M
Rosen
M
M
Bloom
S
S
Duerden
M
M
Turba
R
R
Kern
H
H
Kirschner
K
K
Ronin
D
D
D000203:Activities of Daily Living; D000368:Aged; D000671:Amputation, Surgical / Q000009:adverse effects*; D000740:Anemia / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006622:Hip Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007720:Knee Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin