Open AccessHaemostatic aspects of recombinant human erythropoietin in colorectal surgery
Author(s) -
Poulsen Kristian Aa.,
Qvist Niels,
Winther Kaj,
Boesby Steen
Publication year - 1998
Publication title -
european journal of surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
eISSN - 1741-9271
pISSN - 1102-4151
DOI - 10.1080/110241598750004661
Subject(s) - medicine , erythropoietin , partial thromboplastin time , prothrombin time , placebo , plasminogen activator , erythropoiesis , reticulocyte , surgery , aprotinin , gastroenterology , platelet , anesthesia , anemia , pathology , biochemistry , chemistry , alternative medicine , messenger rna , gene
Objective: To find out whether recombinant human erythropoietin (r‐HuEPO) given perioperatively has any effect on haemoÌstatic activity in patients undergoing elective colorectal resection. Design: A placebo‐controlled double‐blind study. Setting: Odense university hospital, Denmark Subjects: 24 patients undergoing elective colorectal resection, 13 of whom were given r‐HuEPO (Eprex ® ) and 11 placebo. Main outcome measures: Concentrations of haemoglobin, tissue‐type plasminogen activator and plasminogen activator inhibitor‐1; activated partial thromboplastin time; prothrombin time; platelet and reticulocyte counts; blood loss; and transfusions. Results: There was no significant change in fibrinolytic activity, prothrombin time, or activated prothrombin time in the treatment group. Platelet counts differed slightly but not significantly, being higher in the r‐HuEPO group. There was a significant increase in reticulocyte counts in the r‐HuEPO group. Conclusion: R‐HuEPO given perioperatively significantly increased erythropoiesis in patients undergoing elective colorectal operations but had no influence on haemostatic activity. Copyright © 1998 Taylor and Francis Ltd.