Autologous blood transfusion in oral and maxillofacial surgery patients with the use of erythropoietin.

Background: Autologous blood transfusion presents few infectious or immunologic side effects. The aim of the present study was to determine the impact of autologous blood transfusion with or without recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) in patients who underwent elective maxillofacial operations. Material: Seventy eight consecutive patients (29 men and 49 women) underwent elective maxillofacial operations during the years 1990-95.