Two different dosing regimens of human recombinant erythropoietin beta during preoperative autologous blood donation in patients having hip arthroplasty.

Purpose: Our aim was to evaluate the effectiveness of two different dosing regimens of human recombinant erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) for preoperative autologous blood collection in patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods: Prospective randomised trials in which erythropoietin 15,000 IU was administered intravenously twice a week or 30,000 IU once a week (total 90,000 IU) combined with ferrous II sulphate (Ferro-Gradumet 2) orally and compared with Ferro-Gradumet 2 alone.

Results: Although different dosing regimens of rHu-EPO administration during preoperative autologous blood donation have similar effects on the collection of two units of autologous blood, preoperative haemoglobin level and perioperative allogenic blood transfusion, a once weekly dose regimen of rHu-EPO was more convenient (although not statistically significantly) for patients.

Conclusion: We recommend the more practical and comfortable but yet highly effective therapeutic regimen with a single weekly intravenous administration of rHu-EPO for patients scheduled for THA.