Recombinant human erythropoietin in preoperative autologous blood donation did not influence the haemoglobin recovery after surgery.
BACKGROUND
Recombinant human erythropoietin in combination with preoperative autologous blood donation is an established regime for avoiding allogenic blood transfusions. The aim of the study was to determine endogenous erythropoietin production and haemoglobin recovery after preoperative autologous blood donation and surgery, with or without recombinant human erythropoietin treatment.


METHODS
Thirty-eight patients having total hip joint replacement surgery were randomised to receive either autologous blood transfusion (control group) or autologous transfusion plus preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin treatment (EPO group). Haemoglobin, haematocrit, erythropoietin and reticulocyte concentrations were repeatedly analysed, before, during, and after surgery.


RESULTS
No significant differences were found between the groups regarding haemoglobin, haematocrit, and erythropoietin, but the reticulocyte count increased significantly more in the EPO group. There was no difference in the requirement for allogeneic blood transfusions between the groups. The baseline haemoglobin was >13 g dL-1 in all but four patients.


CONCLUSIONS
In patients with normal preoperative haemoglobin levels, recombinant human erythropoietin treatment did not improve haemoglobin levels, or reduce the need for allogenic blood transfusion. There were no differences in serum erythropoietin concentrations between the groups. We question whether recombinant human erythropoietin treatment facilitates preoperative autologous blood donation in patients with normal haemoglobin levels.
Avall
A
A
Department of Anesthesia & Intensive Care, East Hospital, Göteborg, Sweden. anders.avall@vgregion.se
Hyllner
M
M
Bengtson
J P
JP
Carlsson
L
L
Bengtsson
A
A
D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D019644:Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; D001804:Blood Transfusion, Autologous; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000096:biosynthesis* / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D006400:Hematocrit; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism*; D006801:Humans; D007958:Leukocyte Count; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010976:Platelet Count; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017701:Reticulocyte Count; D013997:Time Factors
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin