The potential of erythropoietin for conferring cardioprotection complementing reperfusion.

Objectives: Despite the well-recognized effects of erythropoietin (EPO) on augmenting red blood cell production, EPO exerts multiple additional effects in diverse tissues. Evidence indicating the potential for tissue protection is reviewed as is a description of a study now initiated, in which its potential benefit on the evolution of acute myocardial infarction in patients is being explored.

Methods: The literature demonstrating tissue-protective effects of EPO in experimental animals and patients is cited as is the protocol of the recently undertaken Vermont/Dubai study assessing the potential benefits conferred by EPO on the evolution of infarction in patients.