title: Erythropoietic response to two epoetin alfa regimens in critically ill patients: a pilot study.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the erythropoietic responses and tolerability of two recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) regimens.
  
  
  METHODS
  Prospective, open-label, multicenter study.
  
  
  METHODS
  Three multidisciplinary intensive care units in Québec, Canada.
  
  
  METHODS
  Sixty critically ill patients.
  
  
  METHODS
  The first 30 patients received EPO 40,000 U/week (group A); the next 30 received 40,000 U twice/week (group B).
  
  
  RESULTS
  Percent change from baseline in reticulocyte count and hemoglobin concentration were evaluated in both groups on study days 7 and 14. The numbers of adverse events were also compared between the two groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the results between the two groups.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Although the study had limitations, it suggested that EPO 40,000 U twice/week did not increase or sustain stimulation of the erythropoietic response compared with EPO 40,000 U/week in critically ill patients.
authors.affiliation: Pharmacy Department, Hôtel-Dieu de Lévis, Lévis, Québec, Canada. martin_darveau@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Darveau
authors.forename: Eric
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Notebaert
authors.forename: André Y
authors.initials: AY
authors.lastname: Denault
authors.forename: David R
authors.initials: DR
authors.lastname: Williamson
authors.forename: Martin
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Albert
authors.forename: Sylvain
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Bélisle
authors.forename: Jean
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Lachaine
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D016638:Critical Illness; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D005260:Female; D006397:Hematinics / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000187:drug effects; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D017701:Reticulocyte Count
chemical_list: D006397:Hematinics; D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D000068817:Epoetin Alfa