Elective coronary and valve surgery without blood transfusion in patients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin-alpha).
BACKGROUND
This study evaluates the real effectiveness of epoetin-alpha associated with ferrous sulphate, in reducing blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective open heart surgery not treated with autologous donation.


METHODS
Sixty patients had been divided into 2 groups: group A (30 patients) treated with 525 mg ferrous sulphate three time a day per os for 3 weeks; group B (30 patients) treated with epoetin-alpha 10,000 UI twice a week and 525 mg ferrous sulphate 3 times a day. Grouping of patients has been randomized. In both groups hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, iron values, ferritine, transferrine, and serological values, have been evaluated sequentially before treatment, before surgery, day of operation, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th postoperative days and at discharge.


RESULTS
In group A 86% patients needed blood transfusion (26 out of 30); in group B only 3% of patients needed blood transfusion (1 patient). One year follow up didn't show side effects related to epoetin-alpha.


CONCLUSIONS
This study confirms the real effectiveness of epoetin-alpha in reducing the postoperative need for homologous blood transfusion. No side effects due to epoetin-alpha treatment have been proved. The conclusion is drawn that epoetin-alpha can be used as an alternative to blood transfusion or in association with predeposit and in the treatment of basal anemia.
Podestà
A
A
Cattedra di Cardiochirurgia Università degli Studi, Genova.
Carmagnini
E
E
Parodi
E
E
Dottori
V
V
Crivellari
R
R
Barberis
L
L
Audo
A
A
Lijoi
A
A
Passerone
G
G
D016063:Blood Loss, Surgical / Q000517:prevention & control*; D003327:Coronary Disease / Q000601:surgery*; D017558:Elective Surgical Procedures; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D005296:Ferrous Compounds / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006349:Heart Valve Diseases / Q000601:surgery*; D006397:Hematinics / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins
D005296:Ferrous Compounds; D006397:Hematinics; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; C020748:ferrous sulfate; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa