Abstract
Aims: We decided to investigate the efþcacy of postoperative Epoetin Alfa in decreasing allogenic transfusion exposure in patient who had an mediummajor orthopaedic intervention who could conduct in major loss of blood. Material-Method: Between July 2000-Mars 2002 in our department a trial was conducted comparing the safety and efþcacy of a weekly epoetin alfa dosing regimen (40000⋄4) with a daily regimen (10000⋄15) in patients with hemoglobin levels 9g/dl< Hb< 11g/dl in the 2nd postoperative day after a major orthopaedic procedure. The average age was 28–85y. Results: In the þrst group (24p) there was a increase of the Ht 6units and in the 2nd group 4units. In the þrst group we had a death in the 13een postoperative day from diffuse intravascular coagulation. In both groups the rehabilitation and discharge of the patients were quicker and there was no postoperative transfusion. In 9 cases of the þrst group and only in 2 of the second we observed a enormous augmentation of the platelets (600000–1000000) but without any signs of thrombosis. This point needs more investigation. Conclusion: These data showed the weekly Epoetin Alfa regimen to be at least as efþcacious and more convenient as the daily regimen in the treatmen of the postoperative anaemic patients. More investigation is needed for possible complications.
Theses abstracts were prepared by Professor Dr. Frantz Langlais. Correspondence should be addressed to him at EFORT Central Office, Freihofstrasse 22, CH-8700 Küsnacht, Switzerland.
