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Epoetin alfa reduces blood transfusion requirements in patients with intertrochanteric fracture.

Author(s): Kateros K, Sakellariou VI, Sofianos IP, Papagelopoulos PJ

Affiliation(s): Department of Orthopaedics, General Hospital of Levadia, Levadia, Greece.

Publication date & source: 2010-06, J Crit Care., 25(2):348-53. Epub 2009 Jul 9.

Publication type: Randomized Controlled Trial

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study is to identify the potential benefits or complications from the use of epoetin alfa in patients with intertrochanteric fracture. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Seventy-nine patients who sustained an intertrochanteric fracture were divided into 2 groups. One group received 10 daily doses of 20 000 IU of epoetin alfa beginning from the day of trauma, whereas the control group received placebo. RESULTS: We found a statistically significant difference in the required units of allogenic blood used between the 2 groups (P = .034). The group that received epoetin alfa also showed an elevation of hematocrit and hemoglobin values, which was statistically significant at the seventh postoperative day (P = .019 and .015, respectively) compared to the control group. No complications were evident during our study. CONCLUSIONS: Patients with intertrochanteric fractures seem to benefit from the use of epoetin alfa because it is safe and reduces the need for blood transfusions. Copyright (c) 2010 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Page last updated: 2010-10-05

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