Loading...
In a previous trial (Journal Watch Jan 3 2003), erythropoietin decreased transfusions but not mortality in adult intensive care unit patients with hematocrits lower than 38%. Now, the same researchers have conducted another randomized trial funded by the drug manufacturer in 1460 patients with hemoglobin levels below 12 g/dL who were expected to stay in the ICU for at least several days. Among many exclusion criteria were coronary ischemia and history of thrombotic events.
Patients received epoetin alfa (40,000 U) or placebo weekly for 3 weeks when hemoglobin concentrations were below 12 g/dL. Need for transfusion was determined by each patient’s physician. Epoetin alfa did not decrease the number of transfusions, but it did raise mean hemog…