International Orthopaedics April 2012, Volume 36, Issue 4, pp 703–709

Two different dosing regimens of human recombinant erythropoietin beta during preoperative autologous blood donation in patients having hip arthroplasty

Buljan, M., Nemet, D., Golubic-Cepulic, B. et al.
Hip

Purpose

Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different dosing regimens of human recombinant erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) for preoperative autologous blood collection in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods

Prospective randomised trials in which erythropoietin 15,000 IU was administered intravenously twice a week or 30,000 IU once a week (total 90,000 IU) combined with ferrous II sulphate (Ferro-Gradumet 2) orally and compared with Ferro-Gradumet 2 alone.

Results

Although different dosing regimens of rHu-EPO administration during preoperative autologous blood donation have similar effects on the collection of two units of autologous blood, preoperative haemoglobin level and perioperative allogenic blood transfusion, a once weekly dose regimen of rHu-EPO was more convenient (although not statistically significantly) for patients.

Conclusion

We recommend the more practical and comfortable but yet highly effective therapeutic regimen with a single weekly intravenous administration of rHu-EPO for patients scheduled for THA.


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