To evaluate the effectiveness of the perioperative erythropoietin administration, as an alternative to homologous banked blood transfusions, in total hip arthroplasty. In a prospective randomized, controlled study, 101 patients who underwent unilateral total hip replacement, during the period 2004–2009, were evaluated. In all these patients, the same surgical team applied the same surgical technique (hybrid THA) and they followed the same rehabilitation program. In 50 patients (group A or study group) we administered 40,000 units of erythropoietin subcutaneously one day before the operation followed by 40,000 units (sc) every 3 days in a total scheme of 4 doses. All these patients received intraoperatively one unit of homologous blood transfusion (1 unit/patient) and additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. A control group of 51 patients (group B) received intraoperatively one or two units of homologous blood transfusion (1.35 units/patient), according to the volume of blood collected in the suction device and to the anaesthesiologists estimation, and also additional blood transfusions postoperatively when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion was determined by the haemoglobin value (< 9mg/dl) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulse etc.). The values of haemoglobin, haematocrit and platelets were recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th, and 15th day postoperatively.Purpose
Material and Methods
To evaluate the long term results of the use of a postoperative autologous blood reinfusion system in total knee arthroplasty. In a prospective study, 176 patients who underwent unilateral total knee replacement, during the period 2004–2008, were evaluated (study group or group A). In all these patients a reinfusion system of unwashed blood salvaged was applied, while supplementary homologous blood transfusion was performed when required. The admission of banked blood transfusion determined by haemoglobin value (<9mg/dL) and/or clinical signs (blood pressure, pulses, etc). The value of haemoglobin, haematocrite and platelets recorded preoperatively and the 1st, 5th and 15th day after operation. Results were compared with the material of our previous prospective randomized controlled study (control groups B and C), where in 60 patients, between the years 2002–2004, the effectiveness of postoperative autologous blood reinfusion had been proved.Purpose
Material and method
