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A double-blinded prospective evaluation of recombinant human erythropoietin in acutely burned patients
Still JM Jr, Belcher K, Law EJ, Thompson W, Jordan M, Lewis M, Saffle J, Hunt J, Purdue GF, Waymack JP,, et al
Journal of Trauma-Injury Infection & Critical Care. 1995;38((2):):233-6.
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) in attempting to prevent anemia in acutely burned patients. DESIGN Prospective double-blind randomized study of 40 patients. METHODS Patients with burns from 25% to 65% total body surface were enrolled. r-HuEPO or a placebo was begun within 72 hours of admission. Cell blood count, reticulocyte counts, transfusion requirements, and blood loss were measured. Comparison was carried out by the unpaired t test. MAIN RESULTS There was no statistically significant difference in hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte count, ferritin, serum iron, total iron blinding capacity, or transfusion requirements. In patients with burns from 25% to 35%, the reticulocyte counts were statistically significantly higher. CONCLUSION In our work the administration of r-HuEPO in acutely burned patients did not prevent the development of postburn anemia or decrease transfusion requirements. Increased erythropoiesis in smaller burns (25% to 35%) was observed and may indicate a reason for further study.