[Preoperative autologous blood collection under erythropoietin stimulation. Preliminary results in patient selection, erythropoietin dosage and administration].

In a randomised study we have evaluated the influence of erythropoietin (EPO) on the yield of autologous blood in elective surgery (total hip replacement). The study was performed placebo controlled in 82 patients: 25 patients received 200 IE EPO/kg 2 x/week i.v. over 3 weeks (group C), 30 patients 100 IE EPO in the same schedule (group B), and 27 patients received placebo (group A). All patients were treated with 3 x 250 mg Fe-sulfate p.o. during the study time. The number of collected blood conserves was not significantly different in these groups (5.4 in group C, 5.06 in group B, 4.8 in group A), but there was a significant difference in patients with a diminished hemoglobin (Hb < 14 g/dl): 5.2 in group C, 4.9 in group B, and 3.6 in group A. Patients with a normal hemoglobin level showed a significantly higher preoperative hemoglobin in group C against group A. We conclude that the application of EPO is suggestive in patients with a diminished hemoglobin, but also in patients with normal hemoglobin the blood picture at the time of surgery is higher in EPO treated patients.