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A large proportion of critically ill patients receive red blood cell transfusions. Although transfusions generally are safe, adverse reactions can occur, and there are concerns that transfusions might have immunosuppressive effects. One alternative approach is to treat critically ill patients with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO).
In this multicenter, randomized, double-blind U.S. trial, supported by a manufacturer of rHuEPO, researchers enrolled 1302 adults with hematocrits lower than 38% who were hospitalized in medical or surgical intensive care units. Patients received either rHuEPO (40,000 U once weekly, maximum of 4 injections) or placebo; the need for transfusions was determined by each patient's physician. During 4 weeks of …