Haemostatic aspects of recombinant human erythropoietin in colorectal surgery.
OBJECTIVE
To find out whether recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) given perioperatively has any effect on haemostatic activity in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection.


METHODS
A placebo-controlled double-blind study.


METHODS
Odense university hospital, Denmark.


METHODS
24 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection, 13 of whom were given r-HuEPO (Eprex) and 11 placebo.


METHODS
Concentrations of haemoglobin, tissue-type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1; activated partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time; platelet and reticulocyte counts; blood loss; and transfusions.


RESULTS
There was no significant change in fibrinolytic activity, prothrombin time, or activated prothrombin time in the treatment group. Platelet counts differed slightly but not significantly, being higher in the r-HuEPO group. There was a significant increase in reticulocyte counts in the r-HuEPO group.


CONCLUSIONS
R-HuEPO given perioperatively significantly increased erythropoiesis in patients undergoing elective colorectal operations but had no influence on haemostatic activity.
Poulsen
K A
KA
Department of Surgical Gastroenterology, Odense, Odense C, Denmark.
Qvist
N
N
Winther
K
K
Boesby
S
S
D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003108:Colonic Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000187:drug effects*; D006489:Hemostatic Techniques; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000187:drug effects; D011182:Postoperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care; D011379:Prognosis; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D012002:Rectal Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D012156:Reticulocytes / Q000166:cytology
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin