Erythropoietic Response to Two Epoetin alfa Regimens in Critically Ill Patients: A Pilot Study

Study Objective . To compare the erythropoietic responses and tolerability of two recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) regimens. Design . Prospective, open‐label, multicenter study. Setting . Three multidisciplinary intensive care units in Québec, Canada. Patients . Sixty critically ill patients. Intervention . The first 30 patients received EPO 40,000 U/week (group A); the next 30 received 40,000 U twice/week (group B). Measurements and Main 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. Conclusion . 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.