Epoetin alfa in low hematocrit patients to facilitate autologous blood donation in total hip replacement: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, dose-ranging study.

We investigated the safety and efficacy of preoperative epoetin alfa used in conjunction with preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) in 40 anemic orthopedic surgical patients undergoing hip replacement surgery [hematocrit (Hct) </=39%]. Patients were randomized 25-35 days before surgery to twice weekly intravenous (i. v.) epoetin alfa (300, 150, or 75 IU/kg) or placebo treatments supplemented with 200 mg i.v. iron. Epoetin alfa facilitated dose-dependent increases in PAD (4.3 units, 300 IU/kg; 3.4 units, 150 IU/kg; 3.0 units, 75 IU/kg; 2.1 units, placebo), and minimized reductions in Hct associated with repeated phlebotomy. All epoetin alfa doses were well tolerated and safe. Our results indicate that preoperative epoetin alfa dose-dependently stimulates erythropoiesis and facilitates PAD in anemic orthopedic patients, which may benefit patients by reducing their exposure to the risks of allogeneic transfusion, hastening recovery and discharge from hospital.