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

93 patients undergoing total hip arthroplasty were randomized to differing preoperative dosing regimes of human recombinant erythropoietin (rHu-EPO) to elucidate its affect on preoperative blood donation and intra-operative blood transfusions. Patients received either a once weekly i.v of 30000 IU rHu-EPO, a twice weekly i.v. of 15000 IU rHu-EPO, or no rHu-EPO. All groups received an oral does of ferrous II sulphate. Results indicate that patients receiving rHu-EPO were able to successfully donate 2 units of blood preoperatively and required fewer intra-operative allogenic blood transfusions compared to controls.