epoetin-alfa and Blood-Loss--Surgical

Bloodless surgery programs are being instituted because of increasing public concerns about blood transfusions and the need to accommodate some patients' religious beliefs. Patients' desires to forego transfusion must be identified during the preoperative screening process and subsequently reflected on the surgical consent. Patients are managed preoperatively with erythropoietin and dietary supplements. The surgical team employs a variety of intraoperative and postoperative blood conservation techniques to help avoid the need for transfusion. A retrospective review of congenital cardiac procedures in a blood conservation program confirmed that bloodless cardiac surgery is effective.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Child, Preschool; Christianity; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Heart Diseases; Hematinics; Humans; Infant; Perioperative Nursing; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies

The practice of blood conservation is aimed at improving patient outcomes by avoiding allogeneic transfusions via a coordinated multidisciplinary, multipronged approach. The numerous blood conservation techniques and transfusion alternatives now available are described.. Ongoing concerns exist regarding the availability of the nation's and the world's blood supply. In addition, the number of measures required to ensure blood safety has led to increases in the price of blood and blood products over the past 10-15 years. Moreover, blood transfusion carries inherent risks even under the most favorable circumstances. Investigations have established that injudicious transfusion is associated with development of ventilator-associated pneumonia, nosocomial infection, and organ dysfunction. Because most single blood-conservation techniques reduce blood usage by a mere 1-2 units, a series of integrated conservation approaches are required. These include preoperative autologous donation, use of erythropoietic agents, blood conservation techniques such as acute normovolemic hemodilution, individualized assessment of anemia tolerance, implementation of conservative transfusion thresholds, meticulous surgical techniques, and judicious use of phlebotomy and pharmacologic agents for limiting blood loss. Erythropoietic agents such as epoetin alfa have been used successfully to increase hemoglobin and decrease transfusion requirements, and are appropriate when used in advance of elective surgical procedures. Acquisition costs of erythropoietic stimulating agents versus costs of blood justify economic evaluation by hospitals to make the most cost-effective choice under current economic constraints.. Initiating a blood management program requires planning and support from those who are concerned about blood usage reduction and outcomes improvement. Launching a vigorous and ongoing educational program to raise awareness about the risks and hazards associated with blood transfusion is an important step in helping to reshape the medical staffs' attitudes about transfusion and the most cost-effective way to achieve clinical goals.

Topics: Anemia; Blood Banks; Blood Donors; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Darbepoetin alfa; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Hemodilution; Hospital Costs; Humans; Insurance, Health, Reimbursement; Medicare; Recombinant Proteins

Blood loss during orthopaedic procedures can be extensive and the need for allogeneic blood is a common requirement. However, blood transfusion conceals a number of well-recognised risks and complications and blood products have become more expensive because of their specific preparation procedure. Surgical technique, awareness of the problem and restriction of transfusion triggers are important factors affecting the management of blood loss. Several studies have additionally shown the efficacy of epoetin injections in increasing the pre-operative haemoglobin level. On the other hand, the true benefit of pre-operative autologous donation, acute normovolemic haemodilution and COX-2 selective NSAIDs remains under dispute. Regarding the role of platelet rich plasmapheresis, fibrin sealing and anti-fibinolytic drugs more data are needed. Hypotensive epidural anaesthesia seems to be an advantageous method in minimising peri-operative blood loss. However, this is not a widely performed technique in orthopaedic surgery. In addition, post-operative blood cell saving systems after total knee or hip arthroplasty have been reported to significantly minimise allogeneic blood transfusions when compared to control groups. It can be concluded that many interventions diminish more or less allogeneic blood transfusion in elective orthopaedic surgery. Nevertheless more prospective studies are needed and appropriate algorithms should be applied in peri-operative blood loss management. This review presents an overview of the available interventions which aim to diminish the use of allogeneic blood in elective orthopaedic surgery.

Topics: Anesthesia, Epidural; Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hemodilution; Humans; Orthopedic Procedures; Recombinant Proteins; Transplantation, Homologous

Patients undergoing treatment for infected hip and knee replacements often have significant blood loss and require allogeneic blood transfusions. In the setting of sepsis, traditional methods of blood management such as preoperative blood donations, cell savers, and reinfusion drains are contraindicated. Pharmacologic agents can minimize transfusion requirements by increasing erythropoiesis, or minimize perioperative blood loss. This article reviews the use of these agents in the management of patients with deep prosthetic hip and knee infections.

Topics: Antifibrinolytic Agents; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Recombinant Proteins; Reoperation

Hysterectomy is the second-most-common surgical procedure among premenopausal women. The conditions that lead to the need for a hysterectomy often are accompanied by chronic blood loss that can lead to anemia. Moreover, hysterectomy and myomectomy may result in significant blood loss, which exacerbates the anemia. The presence of fatigue associated with anemia has a substantially negative impact on quality of life and the ability to perform activities of daily living. Options for alleviating perioperative anemia include minimizing surgical blood loss, blood transfusion, supplementation with hematinics, such as iron and folic acid, and treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin. Treating preoperative anemia is expected to help correct anemia prior to surgery and may have a positive impact on anemia-related symptoms and surgical outcomes.

Topics: Anemia; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Fatigue; Female; Gonadotropin-Releasing Hormone; Gonadotropins; Hematinics; Hematocrit; Humans; Hysterectomy; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Substitutes; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Blood-Borne Pathogens; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female Urogenital Diseases; Hemodilution; Humans; Male Urogenital Diseases; Recombinant Proteins; Transfusion Reaction; Utilization Review

Preoperative hemoglobin concentration may be an important predictor of transfusion risk in surgical procedures with significant expected blood loss. Contemporary studies investigating transfusion risk with regard to the relationship between perioperative administration of Epoetin alfa and baseline hemoglobin provide data to test this hypothesis. The predictive power of seven preoperative variables (hemoglobin concentration, age, erythropoietin level, ferritin concentration, serum iron, total iron-binding capacity, and predicted blood volume) on transfusion risk was examined via retrospective logistic regression analysis of 276 orthopedic surgical patients. In the two studies used to perform the regression analysis, patients were treated daily with either Epoetin alfa or placebo. Based on the retrospective analyses, a prospective study was conducted to validate the hypothesis. Of the seven variables evaluated, baseline hemoglobin concentration and predicted blood volume were significantly predictive of transfusion risk in both Epoetin alfa- and placebo-treated patients. Further, an inverse correlation between hemoglobin concentration and transfusion risk was demonstrated in placebo-treated patients. Placebo-treated patients with hemoglobin > 10 to < or = 13 g/dL had an approximately twofold greater risk of transfusion than patients with hemoglobin > 13 g/dL. In contrast to placebo treatment, Epoetin alfa significantly reduced transfusion risk in patients with hemoglobin > 10 to < or = 13 g/dL. Baseline hemoglobin concentration is an excellent predictor of transfusion risk in orthopedic surgical patients. As a result, hemoglobin testing should be considered a part of routine preoperative testing for orthopedic surgical patients.

Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Double-Blind Method; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Placebos; Prospective Studies; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Regression Analysis; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors

Topics: Antifibrinolytic Agents; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Substitutes; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Humans; Orthopedics; Recombinant Proteins

The amount of transfused blood is related to blood loss calculated for the specific type of surgical procedure, transfusion hematocrit trigger and patient's red blood cell mass on the day before surgery. To optimise the benefit/cost and benefit/risk ratios of blood transfusion, a correct prescription must be done in accordance with the patient's red blood cell mass and surgical blood loss. Indeed, there is a clear need to define the appropriate uses of blood management methods and to seek new methods of improving perioperative blood management. The number of moderately anaemic patients undergoing surgery is currently thought to be 20%. Where transfusion requirements are estimated at two to three blood units, as for instance in the most common types of orthopaedic surgery, preoperative haemoglobin is the key factor governing transfusion needs. In this case, the simplest approach is to prescribe Epoetin Alfa subcutaneous at a dose of 600 IU/kg/week starting three weeks before the surgery. In addition, it is important in all cases to give concomitant iron supplements. Concomitant use of other methods to decrease allogeneic blood requirements is of no value. Obviously, the higher the haematocrit the day prior to surgery, the higher the patient's RBC mass and the greater the patient's permitted blood loss, decreasing the transfusion trigger. In this way, allogeneic blood loss is reduced, but without the need for the patient to attend the blood transfusion center and to undergo laboratory screening and testing of donated blood, and without the risk of inducing preoperative anaemia compared with sequential autologous blood donation. But, to optimise the benefit/cost ratio, we try to define precisely the patient populations likely to benefit from preoperative erythropoietin. Using different examples, management is proposed with algorithms.

Topics: Anemia; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Comorbidity; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Evaluation Studies as Topic; Hematocrit; Humans; Infusions, Intravenous; Intraoperative Care; Iron; Multicenter Studies as Topic; Orthopedics; Premedication; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins

To avoid the inherent risk of complications associated with perioperative allogeneic transfusion, preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) is frequently employed by patients undergoing major elective surgical procedures. However, many patients are unable to donate a sufficient quantity of blood prior to surgery. Recent studies have shown that epoetin alfa (Procrit; Ortho-Biotech, Raritan, NJ) effectively increases red blood cell (RBC) mass when administered preoperatively and decreases the requirement for allogeneic transfusion. These studies also demonstrated that patients with baseline hemoglobin levels ranging from 10 to 13 g/dL have the highest risk for requiring allogeneic transfusions and appear to achieve the greatest benefit from epoetin alfa treatment. We evaluated several dosing regimens and schedules for perioperative epoetin alfa administration. In our initial study, the comparative efficacy of three different epoetin alfa regimens was assessed by hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and absolute reticulocyte counts. In addition, we analyzed the effect of accelerated erythropoiesis on iron indices and individual RBC hemoglobin content. Our study demonstrated that epoetin alfa is safe and effective in increasing RBC mass; however, iron stores considered sufficient for basal erythropoiesis may not optimally support the accelerated RBC production associated with epoetin alfa therapy. In a subsequent randomized multicenter trial, we compared weekly epoetin alfa dosing to daily dosing in patients undergoing elective major orthopedic surgery. The results of this study indicated that administering epoetin alfa on a weekly schedule for several weeks prior to surgery may be at least as effective and more convenient than perioperative daily epoetin alfa dosing.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Transfusion Reaction; Transplantation, Autologous; Transplantation, Homologous

'Bloodless' medicine and surgery is saving lives of individuals whose religious faith forbids blood transfusions. And the innovations it comprises are introducing new considerations to the nursing care of many patients undergoing complex operations.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Christianity; Contraindications; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins; Surgical Procedures, Operative; Transfusion Reaction; United States

The introduction of autologous blood (AB) donation programs has led to a decrease in the number of orthopedic surgery patients exposed to allogeneic blood, although there is still room for improvement. For example, some patients may not be able to donate sufficient AB to meet their expected blood requirements. Virtually all nonanemic patients can donate 3 AB units prior to orthopedic surgery before further AB donation is limited by the development of anemia. In preliminary studies, the administration of epoetin alfa (150 IU/kg subcutaneously (s.c.) on alternate days; six doses) following the donation of 3 AB units reversed phlebotomy-induced anemia and enabled a further 2 units of AB to be collected. The ability of this therapeutic approach to increase AB procurement and reduce allogeneic blood requirements is being investigated in an ongoing, placebo-controlled study. An alternative approach may be to combine perisurgical treatment with epoetin alfa and normovolemic hemodilution (NVHD) prior to orthopedic surgery. Although such studies have yet to be initiated, they may demonstrate a reduction in allogeneic blood exposure in patients unable to donate AB prior to orthopedic surgery, a group of patients traditionally at high risk of exposure to allogeneic blood.

Topics: Anemia; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Blood Volume; Clinical Trials as Topic; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoiesis; Erythropoietin; Hemodilution; Humans; Orthopedics; Premedication; Recombinant Proteins

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Recombinant Proteins

Children with craniosynostosis may require cranial vault remodeling to prevent or relieve elevated intracranial pressure and to correct the underlying craniofacial abnormalities. The procedure is typically associated with significant blood loss and high transfusion rates. The risks associated with transfusions are well documented and include transmission of infectious agents, bacterial contamination, acute hemolytic reactions, transfusion-related lung injury, and transfusion-related immune modulation. This study presents the Children's Hospital of Richmond (CHoR) protocol, which was developed to reduce the rate of blood transfusion in infants undergoing primary craniosynostosis repair.. A retrospective chart review of pediatric patients treated between January 2003 and Febuary 2012 was performed. The CHoR protocol was instituted in November 2008, with the following 3 components; 1) the use of preoperative erythropoietin and iron therapy, 2) the use of an intraoperative blood recycling device, and 3) acceptance of a lower level of hemoglobin as a trigger for transfusion (< 7 g/dl). Patients who underwent surgery prior to the protocol implementation served as controls.. A total of 60 children were included in the study, 32 of whom were treated with the CHoR protocol. The control (C) and protocol (P) groups were comparable with respect to patient age (7 vs 8.4 months, p = 0.145). Recombinant erythropoietin effectively raised the mean preoperative hemoglobin level in the P group (12 vs 9.7 g/dl, p < 0.001). Although adoption of more aggressive surgical vault remodeling in 2008 resulted in a higher estimated blood loss (212 vs 114.5 ml, p = 0.004) and length of surgery (4 vs 2.8 hours, p < 0.001), transfusion was performed in significantly fewer cases in the P group (56% vs 96%, p < 0.001). The mean length of stay in the hospital was shorter for the P group (2.6 vs 3.4 days, p < 0.001).. A protocol that includes preoperative administration of recombinant erythropoietin, intraoperative autologous blood recycling, and accepting a lower transfusion trigger significantly decreased transfusion utilization (p < 0.001). A decreased length of stay (p < 0.001) was seen, although the authors did not investigate whether composite transfusion complication reductions led to better outcomes.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Craniosynostoses; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Intraoperative Period; Male; Medical Records; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies; Sample Size

Preoperative anaemia is a major risk factor for allogeneic blood transfusion (ABT) in patients undergoing hip fracture repair. We investigated the efficacy of preoperative recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) administration for reducing ABT requirements in a series of consecutive hip fracture patients presenting with haemoglobin (Hb) between 10 g/dl and 13 g/dl.. The blood conservation protocol consisted of the application of a restrictive transfusion trigger (Hb < 8 g/dl) and the perioperative administration of intravenous iron sucrose (3 x 200 mg/48 h) (group 1, n = 115). Additionally, some patients received preoperative rHuEPO (40 000 IU sc) on admission to the orthopaedic ward (group 2, n = 81).. Overall, 103 of 196 patients (52.5%) received at least one ABT unit (2.1 +/- 1.0 U/patient). However, there were significant differences in perioperative ABT rates between groups (60% vs. 42%, for groups 1 and 2, respectively; P = 0.013). Postoperative Hb on postoperative days 7 and 30 was higher in group 2 than in group 1. In addition, in group 2, Hb levels were higher on postoperative day 30 than on admission (12.7 +/- 1.0 g/dl vs. 11.9 +/- 0.8 g/dl, respectively; P = 0.030). Administration of rHuEPO did not increase postoperative complications or 30-day mortality rate. Only three mild intravenous iron adverse effects were witnessed.. In anaemic hip fracture patients managed with perioperative intravenous iron and restrictive transfusion protocol, preoperative administration of rHuEPO is associated with reduced ABT requirements. However, appropriate training, education and awareness are needed to avoid protocol violations and to limit further exposure to ABT and ABT-related risks.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Ascorbic Acid; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Ferric Compounds; Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; Folic Acid; Fracture Fixation, Internal; Glucaric Acid; Guideline Adherence; Hip Fractures; Hospitals, University; Humans; Male; Postoperative Complications; Premedication; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies; Vitamin B 12

This prospective randomised clinical trial evaluated the effect of alternatives for allogeneic blood transfusions after total hip replacement and total knee replacement in patients with pre-operative haemoglobin levels between 10.0 g/dl and 13.0 g/dl. A total of 100 patients were randomly allocated to the Eprex (pre-operative injections of epoetin) or Bellovac groups (post-operative retransfusion of shed blood). Allogeneic blood transfusions were administered according to hospital policy. In the Eprex group, 4% of the patients (two patients) received at least one allogeneic blood transfusion. In the Bellovac group, where a mean 216 ml (0 to 700) shed blood was retransfused, 28% (14 patients) required the allogeneic transfusion (p = 0.002). When comparing Eprex with Bellovac in total hip replacement, the percentages were 7% (two of 30 patients) and 30% (nine of 30 patients) (p = 0.047) respectively, whereas in total knee replacement, the percentages were 0% (0 of 20 patients) and 25% (five of 20 patients) respectively (p = 0.042). Pre-operative epoetin injections are more effective but more costly in reducing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions in mildly anaemic patients than post-operative retransfusion of autologous blood.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hemostasis, Surgical; Humans; Injections; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Care; Preoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins; Statistics as Topic

Craniosynostotic correction typically performed around infant physiologic nadir of hemoglobin (approximately 3-6 months of age) is associated with high transfusion rates of packed red blood cells and other blood products. As a blood conserving strategy, we studied the use of 1) recombinant human erythropoietin or Procrit (to optimize preoperative hematocrit) and 2) Cell Saver (to recycle the slow, constant ooze of blood during the prolonged case).. UCLA Patients with craniosynostosis from 2003-2005 were divided into 1) the study group (Procrit and Cell Saver) or 2) the control group (n = 79). The study group 1) received recombinant human erythropoietin at 3 weeks, 2 weeks, and 1 week preoperatively and 2) used Cell Saver intraoperatively. Outcomes were based on morbidities and transfusion rate comparisons.. The 2 groups were comparable with regards to age (5.66 and 5.71 months), and operative times (3.11 vs 2.59 hours). In the study group there was a marked increase in preoperative hematocrit (56.2%). The study group had significantly lower transfusions rates (5% vs 100% control group) and lower volumes transfused than in the control group (0.05 pediatric units vs 1.74 pediatric units). Additionally, of the 80% of patients in the study group who received Cell Saver blood at the end of the case, approximately 31% would have needed a transfusion if the recycled blood were unavailable.. Our data showed that for elective craniosynostotic correction, successful blood conserving dual therapy with Procrit and Cell Saver might be used to decrease transfusion rates and the need for any blood products.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Craniosynostoses; Craniotomy; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Hematocrit; Hemoglobins; Humans; Infant; Injections, Subcutaneous; Intraoperative Care; Plastic Surgery Procedures; Postoperative Complications; Premedication; Recombinant Proteins; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome

This prospective randomized trial compared preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) with epoetin alfa in patients undergoing primary total knee reconstruction. Fifty adult patients with pretreatment hemoglobin level of 100 to 130 g/L were randomized to either epoetin alfa 40,000 U at preoperative days 14 and 7 or to a standard PAD protocol. Patient characteristics and operative blood loss were similar between groups. Baseline hematological parameters for epoetin alfa vs PAD were not significantly different; however, by the day of surgery the epoetin alfa group had significantly higher hemoglobin (130 vs 114 g/L; P < .001), hematocrit (0.408 vs 0.352; P < .001), and reticulocyte count (3.4 vs 2.1 x 10(9) cells per liter; P < .001). These differences remained significant for 1 to 2 days postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the incidence of allogeneic transfusions between groups (28% for epoetin alfa vs 8% for PAD; P = .1383). Both treatments were generally well tolerated. Epoetin alfa appears to be a safe alternative to PAD in patients who are at risk for transfusion in the perioperative period following total knee arthroplasty.

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Preoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins; Treatment Outcome

Preoperative epoetin-alpha administration is said to have a limited effect in patients with chronic inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), due to lower iron availability. We studied the effects of preoperative epoetin-alpha treatment in orthopedic surgery patients in a daily life setting in which iron supplementation was assured, and compared the effects in RA and non-RA patients.. In an open, naturalistic, randomized controlled trial, 695 orthopedic surgery patients with preoperative hemoglobin (Hb) values of 10-13 g/dL, either with RA (113) or without RA (582), received either preoperative epoetin-alpha treatment added to standard care, or standard care alone. Hb values and transfusions were evaluated from entry into the study until 4-6 weeks after surgery.. Both in RA and non-RA patients, perioperative Hb values were significantly higher and transfusion requirements were significantly lower in epoetin-alpha treated patients than in control patients (p < 0.001). In RA patients, the outcomes regarding Hb values were not significantly or relevantly different from non-RA patients.. Just as with orthopedic patients in general, RA patients benefit from preoperative epoetin-alpha treatment in combination with iron supplementation. We postulate that iron supplementation during epoetin-alpha therapy in RA patients is important for optimal efficacy.

Topics: Aged; Arthritis, Rheumatoid; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Hemoglobins; Humans; Iron; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Premedication; Recombinant Proteins; Spinal Diseases; Treatment Outcome

This study evaluated whether patients receiving a two-dose regime of epoetin alfa received less allogeneic blood than patients donating autologous blood before primary hip arthroplasty. Consenting patients with a hemoglobin level between 12 and 15 g/dL were randomly assigned to a two-dose administration of epoetin alfa (19 patients) or autologous donation (21 patients). Sixteen percent of the patients in the epoetin alfa group and 52% of the patients in the autologous donation group received transfusions, with a mean volume of 90 cc per patient in the epoetin alfa group and 340 cc in the autologous donation group. Hemoglobin was similar at screening; however, the epoetin alfa group achieved a higher hemoglobin (14.6 g/dL) than the autologous donation group (12.6 g/dL) before surgery. Hemoglobin remained significantly higher in the epoetin alfa group for 3 days after surgery. Administration of two doses of epoetin alfa provided patients with effective and safe reduction of allogeneic blood transfusions and decreased the necessity and difficulty of autologous donation before total hip arthroplasty.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins

Preoperative anemia is a major risk factor for perioperative transfusion in orthopedic surgery and aging is associated with an increased risk for developing anemia. The aim of this study was to compare the efficacy and safety of preoperative epoetin alfa in patients older and younger than 65 years in orthopedic surgery. PATIENTS AHD METHOD: This study involved 75 patients scheduled for total joint arthroplasty who had an hemoglobin level between 100 and 130 g/l. Patients were assigned to receive weekly doses of subcutaneous epoetin alfa (40000 IU) on days -21, -14, -7, -1 before surgery. We tabulated age, weight, gender, baseline analytic parameters, perioperative evolution of the mean hemoglobin level, transfusion, side effects and complications.. Fifty-four patients were included in group A (> or = 65 years) and 21 in group B (< 65 years). The two study groups did not differ in terms of demographic characteristics and baseline analysis but differed in age and associated diseases. The preoperative increase in mean hemoglobin level (20 and 18 g/l) and transfusion rate (15% and 14.3%) were similar in both groups. There were no complications associated with the use of epoetin alfa.. Preoperative epoetin alfa administration seems to be as effective and safe in patients younger as in those older than 65 years.

Topics: Aged; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins

To evaluate the efficacy of perioperative recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO, epoetin alfa) in stimulating hematopoiesis and reducing allogeneic blood transfusion requirements in major head and neck cancer surgery.. Double-blinded, placebo-controlled, randomized, prospective clinical trial.. Fifty-eight patients undergoing surgical resection of head and neck tumors at the University of Iowa hospitals completed this study. Patients were required to have a pre-study hemoglobin >/=10.0 g/dL and

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Double-Blind Method; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Head and Neck Neoplasms; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins

A prospective, randomized trial comparing Epoetin alfa (Procrit) with placebo saline injection to determine effectiveness in increasing erythropoietic recovery in complex spine deformity surgery.. To determine if Epoetin alfa can allow preoperative autologous donation completion more effectively and reduce perioperative homologous blood transfusion.. The use of Epoetin alfa has been studied, primarily in the arthroplasty literature, for its effectiveness in decreasing transfusion requirements and increasing hemoglobin levels. It has not been studied in patients undergoing complex spine deformity surgery.. A total of 48 patients were prospectively randomized into an Epoetin alfa group and a control group. All patients attempted to donate 4 units of preoperative autologous donation at weekly intervals; 40,000 units of Epoetin alfa were injected subcutaneously at the time of preoperative autologous donation in the Epoetin alfa group. Hematocrit levels were recorded weekly during the donation process and daily in the preoperative period.. Preoperative autologous donation was completed more effectively in the patients receiving Epoetin alfa. Epoetin alfa resulted in statistically higher hematocrit levels during preoperative autologous donation and perioperatively (P < 0.005). Homologous transfusion was decreased by 2.4 units and hospital stay was 1.8 days shorter in patients receiving Epoetin alfa.. Patients who received Epoetin alfa were able to complete preoperative autologous donation more effectively, increase erythropoietic recovery, decrease homologous transfusion requirements, and had shorter hospital stays.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Blood Donors; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Constipation; Contraindications; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Fever; Hematocrit; Humans; Injections, Subcutaneous; Length of Stay; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Complications; Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting; Preoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins; Sepsis; Spinal Curvatures; Spinal Fusion; Treatment Outcome

The safety and effects on hematocrit of recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin alfa) were evaluated in men undergoing radical retropubic prostatectomy.. Between February 1, 1997 and November 2, 1998, 305 men with clinically localized adenocarcinoma of the prostate underwent radical retropubic prostatectomy performed by a single surgeon (H. L.). Of these men 283 with a baseline hematocrit of less than 48% received 600 IU/kg. epoetin alfa 14 days (-14) and 7 days (-7) before radical retropubic prostatectomy. Hematocrit was measured at baseline on day -14, on day -7, just before anesthesia induction on day 0, immediately postoperatively and on the day of discharge home. The number of allogeneic units transfused, and all intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded.. Mean hematocrit at baseline on day -14 and at induction on day 0 was 42.9% and 45.8%, respectively (p = 0.0001). The frequency of hematocrit decreasing, showing no change or increasing 0.1 to 1.9, 2.0 to 3.9 or greater than 4.0 hematocrit points was 16.5%, 0.5%, 23%, 22% and 38%, respectively. Of the men 17% had no increase in hematocrit. A weak correlation existed between baseline hematocrit and the erythropoietic response to epoetin alfa (r2 = 0.06). Mean change in hematocrit after treatment with epoetin alfa in the quartile baseline hematocrit groups 34.2 to 41.4, 41.5 to 43.2, 43.3 to 44.9 and 45.0 to 48.0 hematocrit points was 3.71, 2.45, 3.86 and 1.02 hematocrit points, respectively. Of the surgical candidates 22 (9.1%) achieved an induction hematocrit of greater than 51%. Of the 283 men receiving epoetin alfa 21 (7.4%) also received an allogeneic transfusion. The transfusion rate did not correlate with induction hematocrit. The only adverse cardiovascular event was an uncomplicated postoperative pulmonary embolus.. Our prospective study demonstrates that epoetin alfa given preoperatively in 2 doses of 600 IU/kg. is safe for significantly increasing hematocrit in men before radical retropubic prostatectomy. It is intuitive that the significant increase in hematocrit decreases the requirement for allogeneic blood transfusion.

Topics: Adenocarcinoma; Blood Loss, Surgical; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Hematocrit; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Preoperative Care; Prospective Studies; Prostatectomy; Prostatic Neoplasms; Recombinant Proteins

This study evaluates the real effectiveness of epoetin-alpha associated with ferrous sulphate, in reducing blood transfusion in patients undergoing elective open heart surgery not treated with autologous donation.. Sixty patients had been divided into 2 groups: group A (30 patients) treated with 525 mg ferrous sulphate three time a day per os for 3 weeks; group B (30 patients) treated with epoetin-alpha 10,000 UI twice a week and 525 mg ferrous sulphate 3 times a day. Grouping of patients has been randomized. In both groups hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocytes, iron values, ferritine, transferrine, and serological values, have been evaluated sequentially before treatment, before surgery, day of operation, 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 7th postoperative days and at discharge.. In group A 86% patients needed blood transfusion (26 out of 30); in group B only 3% of patients needed blood transfusion (1 patient). One year follow up didn't show side effects related to epoetin-alpha.. This study confirms the real effectiveness of epoetin-alpha in reducing the postoperative need for homologous blood transfusion. No side effects due to epoetin-alpha treatment have been proved. The conclusion is drawn that epoetin-alpha can be used as an alternative to blood transfusion or in association with predeposit and in the treatment of basal anemia.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Coronary Disease; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Ferrous Compounds; Heart Valve Diseases; Hematinics; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Recombinant Proteins

A multicenter, randomized, open-label, parallel-group study was conducted to compare the safety and efficacy of perioperative recombinant human erythropoietin (Epoetin alfa) with the safety and efficacy of preoperative autologous donation (PAD) in total joint arthroplasty. A total of 490 patients scheduled for total joint (i.e., hip or knee) surgery and having hemoglobin (Hb) levels > or = 11 to < or = 13 g/dL were randomized to receive weekly doses of subcutaneous Epoetin alfa on preoperative Days -21, -14, and -7, and on the day of surgery, or to participate in a PAD program. The mean baseline Hb level in both groups was 12.3+/-0.6 g/dL, increasing to 13.8 g/dL in the Epoetin alfa-treated group and decreasing to 11.1 g/dL in the PAD group before or on the day of surgery. In the PAD group, 156/219 (71.2%) patients were transfused with autologous blood, and 42/219 (19.2%) patients were transfused with allogeneic blood. A smaller proportion, 27/209 (12.9%) patients, in the Epoetin alfa-treated group were transfused with allogeneic blood (P = .078 compared with the PAD group). Moreover, patients in the PAD group received a total of 325 units of blood (79 allogeneic units and 246 autologous units) compared with patients in the Epoetin alfa group who received a total of 54 units of blood. The mean postoperative Hb level was 11.0 g/dL in the Epoetin alfa-treated group and 9.2 g/dL in the PAD group. Compared with the PAD arm, mean Hb levels measured preoperatively, postoperatively on Day 1, and at discharge visits were significantly greater in the Epoetin alfa-treated arm (P < .0001 ).

Topics: Age Factors; Anemia; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Postoperative Complications; Prospective Studies; Recombinant Proteins; Sex Factors

To avoid the inherent risk of complications associated with perioperative allogeneic transfusion, preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) is frequently employed by patients undergoing major elective surgical procedures. However, many patients are unable to donate a sufficient quantity of blood prior to surgery. Recent studies have shown that epoetin alfa (Procrit; Ortho-Biotech, Raritan, NJ) effectively increases red blood cell (RBC) mass when administered preoperatively and decreases the requirement for allogeneic transfusion. These studies also demonstrated that patients with baseline hemoglobin levels ranging from 10 to 13 g/dL have the highest risk for requiring allogeneic transfusions and appear to achieve the greatest benefit from epoetin alfa treatment. We evaluated several dosing regimens and schedules for perioperative epoetin alfa administration. In our initial study, the comparative efficacy of three different epoetin alfa regimens was assessed by hemoglobin concentration, hematocrit, and absolute reticulocyte counts. In addition, we analyzed the effect of accelerated erythropoiesis on iron indices and individual RBC hemoglobin content. Our study demonstrated that epoetin alfa is safe and effective in increasing RBC mass; however, iron stores considered sufficient for basal erythropoiesis may not optimally support the accelerated RBC production associated with epoetin alfa therapy. In a subsequent randomized multicenter trial, we compared weekly epoetin alfa dosing to daily dosing in patients undergoing elective major orthopedic surgery. The results of this study indicated that administering epoetin alfa on a weekly schedule for several weeks prior to surgery may be at least as effective and more convenient than perioperative daily epoetin alfa dosing.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Recombinant Proteins; Transfusion Reaction; Transplantation, Autologous; Transplantation, Homologous

In previous studies, treatment with epoetin alfa facilitated preoperative donation of autologous blood (AB). However, some patients may not be able to donate sufficient AB to meet their surgical blood requirements when the time to surgery is short. In this multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled study, the ability of epoetin alfa combined with normovolemic hemodilution (NVHD) to facilitate the collection of > or = 4 AB units within 2 weeks of surgery was investigated in 112 nonanemic patients scheduled for elective orthopedic or vascular surgery. All patients received oral iron supplementation and were treated with three intravenous (i.v.) injections of epoetin alfa (300 or 600 IU/kg) on days 1,4, and 7; surgery, in combination with NVHD, was performed on day 13. A total of 4 units of AB were predeposited if the patient's hemoglobin (Hb) level exceeded 11 g/dL at each donation. Compared with placebo, epoetin alfa dose-dependently increased reticulocyte counts prior to surgery and significantly minimized the decrease in hematocrit (Hct) associated with AB donation, although there were no significant differences between dosages. While significantly more patients treated with epoetin alfa were able to donate > or = 4 AB units compared with placebo, there was no difference between the groups in exposure to allogeneic blood. This effect of epoetin alfa was particularly apparent in female patients. I.v. epoetin alfa 300 IU/kg, administered three times within 1 week, appears to be the optimum dose for facilitating the collection of > or = 4 units of AB in nonanemic patients scheduled for elective surgery and NVHD within 2 weeks.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; Double-Blind Method; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoiesis; Erythropoietin; Female; Hemodilution; Humans; Iron; Male; Orthopedics; Premedication; Recombinant Proteins; Reticulocyte Count; Time Factors; Treatment Outcome; Vascular Surgical Procedures

A multicenter, double-blind, placebo-controlled, parallel-group study was undertaken to determine whether Epoetin alfa can reduce perioperative transfusion requirements. Twenty-six medical centers enrolled 316 patients who were scheduled for major orthopedic surgery and were expected to require > or = 2 units of blood. Patients were stratified according to baseline hemoglobin levels and randomly assigned to receive either Epoetin alfa (300 IU/kg or 100 IU/kg) or placebo for 15 consecutive days starting 10 days prior to, on the day of, and for 4 days after surgery. Epoetin alfa (300 IU/kg) resulted in significantly less exposure to allogeneic blood transfusion compared with placebo (16%) versus 45%) in patients whose baseline hemoglobin level was > 10 to < or = 13 g/dL (P = 0.024). Mean number of units transfused per patient was also lower among those treated with Epoetin alfa (overall, P = 0.027). Epoetin alfa was safe and well tolerated in this population.

Topics: Aged; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Double-Blind Method; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hematocrit; Hemoglobinometry; Hip; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Knee; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Postoperative Complications; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins; Risk Factors; Thrombosis

Previous studies have demonstrated the efficacy of perioperative Epoetin alfa in decreasing allogeneic transfusion exposure in patients undergoing orthopedic surgery. A randomized, multicenter trial was conducted comparing the safety and efficacy of a weekly Epoetin alfa dosing regimen in patients with hemoglobin levels > or = 10 to < or = 13 g/dL scheduled to undergo major elective orthopedic arthroplasty, with a daily regimen previously shown to be effective. patients on the weekly regimen showed a greater baseline-to-presurgery hemoglobin increase versus the daily regimen group (1.44 +/- 1.029 g/dL versus 0.73 +/- 0.867 g/dL). Moreover, the weekly 600 IU/kg regimen was similar to the daily 300 IU/kg regimen with respect to safety and the avoidance of allogeneic transfusion. These data showed the weekly Epoetin alfa regimen to be at least as efficacious as the daily regimen and more convenient.

Topics: Aged; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Drug Administration Schedule; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hemoglobinometry; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Male; Middle Aged; Orthopedics; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins

Despite the evolution of blood management protocols, total knee arthroplasty (TKA) occasionally requires allogeneic blood transfusion. This poses a particular challenge for Jehovah's Witnesses (JW) who believe that the Bible strictly prohibits the use of blood products. The aim of this study was to compare JW and a matched-control cohort of non-JW candidates undergoing TKA to assess the safety using modern blood management protocols. Fifty-five JW patients (63 knees) who underwent TKA at our institution between 2005 and 2017 were matched to 63 non-JW patients (63 knees). Patient demographics, intraoperative details, and postoperative complications including in-hospital complications, revisions, and 90-day readmissions were collected and compared between the groups. Additionally, subgroup analysis was performed comparing JW patients who were administered tranexamic acid (TXA) between the two groups. Baseline demographics did not vary significantly between the study cohorts. The mean follow-up was 3.1 years in both the JW and non-JW cohorts. Postoperative complications, including in-hospital complications (7.9 vs. 4.8%;

Topics: Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Anemia; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Female; Folic Acid; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Hemostasis, Surgical; Humans; Iron Compounds; Jehovah's Witnesses; Male; Middle Aged; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Preoperative Care; Retrospective Studies; Tranexamic Acid; Treatment Outcome

Blood loss management is critical to positive outcomes in patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Transfusions are associated with an increased risk of major and minor adverse events, length of hospitalization, and overall cost associated with surgery. Many techniques have been investigated and compared. Tranexamic acid (TXA), an antifibrinolytic drug widely known to reduce blood loss, may be a bridge to the goal of eliminating blood transfusions from TKA. Administration of TXA can be performed intravenously, topically at the knee joint, orally, or in combination. A single bolus or multiple doses have reduced total blood loss and transfusion rates consistently, safely, and cost-effectively. The uptake in use of TXA by surgeons has been slow due to concerns in patients deemed high risk for thromboembolic events. Newer evidence from studies specifically involving high-risk patients demonstrates that TXA is indeed safe in this cohort and provides benefits that greatly outweigh potential risks. Incorporation of TXA as a routine part of TKA is in the best interest of patients, health care teams, and medical institutions. TXA can be employed seamlessly with other blood saving techniques and has the capacity to increase productivity and decrease overall cost. This can be achieved by reducing the incidence of transfusion and length of stay, and the need for practices such as preoperative anemia treatment and suction drainage.

Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Epoetin Alfa; Fibrin Tissue Adhesive; Hematologic Agents; Humans; Knee Joint; Postoperative Hemorrhage; Suction; Thromboembolism; Tourniquets; Tranexamic Acid

We present the case of a 53-year-old female Jehovah's Witness with nonischemic cardiomyopathy who successfully underwent a bloodless heart transplantation using fibrinogen concentrate (RiaSTAP; CSL Behring, King of Prussia, PA) and other blood-conservation methods. With a multidisciplinary team and the use of preoperative erythropoietin-stimulating drugs, normovolemic hemodilution, cell salvage, and pharmacotherapy to prevent and treat coagulopathy, we were able to maintain hemoglobin levels greater than 11 g/dL without the need for blood transfusion. We conclude that orthotopic heart transplants may be performed successfully in select Jehovah's Witness patients using standard and novel blood conservation methods.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Bloodless Medical and Surgical Procedures; Cardiomyopathies; Epoetin Alfa; Female; Fibrinogen; Heart Transplantation; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Jehovah's Witnesses; Middle Aged; Religion and Medicine; Treatment Outcome

Topics: Aged; Anemia; Aortic Aneurysm, Abdominal; Blood Loss, Surgical; Critical Illness; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Ferric Compounds; Ferric Oxide, Saccharated; Glucaric Acid; Hematinics; Humans; Iron Compounds; Jehovah's Witnesses; Male; Recombinant Proteins; Salvage Therapy

Topics: Adolescent; Anesthesia, General; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Bloodless Medical and Surgical Procedures; Child; Epoetin Alfa; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Hypotension; Jehovah's Witnesses; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis

A retrospective review.. To review the effectiveness of blood conservation techniques in the spinal fusion of patients that refuse blood transfusion; specifically the Jehovah's witnesses population.. Spinal surgery can be challenging in patients refusing blood transfusion. There is paucity in the literature examining blood conservation techniques in spinal surgery.. The radiographic and medical records of 19 Jehovah's witnesses patients who underwent spinal deformity surgery at a single institution between 2000 and 2003 were reviewed. Patients were assessed for excessive blood loss (EBL), deformity correction, operative time, perioperative complications, and hospital stay. At latest follow-up (mean, 40 months; range, 8-76) the patients were examined for radiographic fusion, progression and complications.. Spinal fusion was attempted in 19 patients, with a mean age of 17 years (range, 10-36 years). All 19 patients were identified through the "Bloodless Surgery Program." Hypotensive anesthesia, hemodilution, and cell saver was employed for all 19 cases. Erythropoietin with supplemental iron was used in 15 patients. Aprotinin was used in 3 patients. EBL and blood returned by cell saver averaged 855 and 341 mL, respectively. Operative times average 315 minutes. The average drop in hemoglobin from after surgery was 3.1 g/dL. There were 2 intraoperative complications: (i) transient loss of somatosensory evoked potential/motor evoked potential signals; and (ii) one surgery abandoned due to EBL. The average spinal deformity correction was 58%. There were 3 postoperative complications, none related to their refusal of a transfusion. 17 patients were available for radiographic and clinic follow-up of at least 24 months. All displayed radiographic fusion without progression.. These blood conservation techniques allow satisfactory completion of deformity surgery on those patients not willing to be transfused and without major anesthetic or medical complications.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Child; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Follow-Up Studies; Humans; Jehovah's Witnesses; Kyphosis; Male; Radiography; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies; Scoliosis; Spinal Fusion; Treatment Refusal; Young Adult

To describe the successful perioperative hemostatic management of a Jehovah's Witness patient with hemophilia B and anaphylactic inhibitors to factor IX, undergoing scoliosis surgery.. A 14 (1/2)-yr-old boy with severe hemophilia B who had a history of anaphylactic inhibitors to factor IX was scheduled to undergo corrective scoliosis surgery. He was initially started on epoetin alfa and iron supplementation to maximize preoperative red cell mass. Additionally, he was placed on a desensitization protocol of recombinant coagulation factor IX (rFIX) and was then treated with activated recombinant coagulation factor VII (rFVIIa) during the postoperative period. Tranexamic acid was given concomitantly. The intraoperative blood loss was approximately 350 mL. The nadir hemoglobin concentration was 111 g.L(-1) on postoperative days one and two. On postoperative day 11, the patient was stable and discharged home with a hemoglobin of 138 g.L(-1). He did not require blood transfusion and no adverse events were observed.. The use of rFIX, rFVIIa, erythropoetin, iron, and tranexamic acid before, during and after scoliosis surgery may be a viable and safe option for hemophilia patients with inhibitors, who refuse blood products.

Topics: Adolescent; Antifibrinolytic Agents; Blood Loss, Surgical; Dietary Supplements; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Factor IX; Factor VII; Follow-Up Studies; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Hemophilia B; Humans; Iron; Jehovah's Witnesses; Male; Recombinant Proteins; Scoliosis; Trace Elements; Tranexamic Acid

Blood management strategies is a term used to address a coordinated approach to the management of blood loss in the perioperative period for total joint arthroplasty. The premise of any blood management strategy is that each patient, surgeon, and operative intervention experiences different risks of requiring transfusion, that those risks can be identified, and that a plan can be implemented to address them. A surgeon's decision to transfuse should be based on physiologic assessment of the patient's response to anemia and not on an arbitrary number ("transfusion trigger"). Intervention strategies can be applied preoperatively, intraoperatively, and postoperatively. Patient-specific planning allows for the appropriate use of patient, hospital, and system resources, ensuring that the consequences of anemia are minimized and that the patient's recovery process is optimized.

Topics: Anemia; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Disease Management; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Intraoperative Period; Postoperative Period; Recombinant Proteins

Although it is well known that patients with preoperative hemoglobin levels <13.0 g/dL are at a higher risk for requiring postoperative transfusions, the ideal blood management strategy for this group of patients remains unclear. This study compared preoperative autologous donation with preoperative administration of epoetin alfa as a method to maximize perioperative hemoglobin levels and minimize blood transfusions in these high-risk patients undergoing total knee arthroplasty (TKA). Results show that both preoperative autologous donation and epoetin alfa were successful in decreasing the need for allogeneic blood transfusions following TKA in high-risk patients. Epoetin alfa was more effective in maximizing perioperative hemoglobin levels.

Topics: Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Male; Middle Aged; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins; Retrospective Studies; Risk Factors

There is a lack of consensus with regard to ways to minimize blood transfusions after total knee arthroplasty. We surveyed 434 members of the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons, each of whom averaged 18 years in practice and performed an average of between 100 and 150 knee replacements a year, about their preferences and practices regarding blood conservation during total knee arthroplasty. Of those surveyed, only 24% reported that there was a blood conservation program in place at their institutions. Fifty-nine percent of those surveyed routinely asked their patients to donate blood before unilateral and bilateral knee replacements. The amount of blood collected averaged 1.32 units (range, 1-4 units) and 2.04 units (range, 1-4 units) before unilateral and bilateral knee arthroplasty, respectively. Nearly half (47.5%) reported they rarely ever prescribed epoetin alfa because of a combination of cost, time, and labor issues. Furthermore, the majority (84%) has not had any experience with the use of antifibrinolytics. Overall, the mean transfusion rate after unilateral knee replacement was estimated to be less than 5% (range, 0%-20%) whereas the rate after bilateral knee replacement was estimated to be between 10% and 20% (range, 5%-20%).

Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Health Care Surveys; Hematinics; Humans; Practice Patterns, Physicians'; Recombinant Proteins

The objective of this study was to establish a novel method of preoperative autologous blood donation (PAD) for surgery of gynecologic malignancies, which requires considerable amounts of plasma relative to the red blood cell component. To collect a double volume of plasma over the amount obtained from whole blood without using an aphaeresis system, we first collected 500 ml of whole blood (2.5 units), and centrifuged it. We gave back the resultant red cell component alone, and retained the plasma component. We further collected an additional 500 ml of whole blood, and centrifuged it. The red cell component (2.5 units) was stored in the refrigerator (as a concentrated red cell, CRC). The resultant plasma together with the plasma collected first (5 units) was frozen and stored in the freezer (fresh frozen plasma, FFP), We repeated this procedure at most three times at intervals of 1 week. Erythropoietin was injected once a week and iron tablets were prescribed. Ninety-nine patients undergoing surgery for a gynecological malignancy were subjected to this method and 86 patients without PAD served as a control. We conducted the procedure for PAD without any noticeable side effects. The amount of actual use of allogeneic CRC and FFP were significantly reduced in the PAD group compared with the control group. In particular, 93.6% of the PAD cases who gave 10 or less units of FFP could go without allogeneic FFP. Postoperative serum albumin levels were higher in the PAD group compared with the control. We have established a novel PAD method which can yield a greater volume of FFP relative to CRC, thus meeting requirements for surgery for gynecological malignancies.

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Specimen Collection; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Genital Neoplasms, Female; Hematinics; Hemoglobins; Humans; Patient Selection; Plasma Volume; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins

Topics: Aged; Arthroplasty, Replacement; Blood Loss, Surgical; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Recombinant Proteins

Topics: Anemia; Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Blood Loss, Surgical; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Humans; Preoperative Care; Recombinant Proteins

A multicenter prospective study was conducted to determine whether epoetin alfa could be used to lower transfusion requirements after two-stage exchange arthroplasty for infection. Forty-one consecutive patients undergoing successful two-stage exchange arthroplasty for an infected total knee arthroplasty were enrolled in a prospective study. Epoetin alfa (40,000 units) was administered subcutaneously after prosthesis resection and antibiotic spacer placement. Although there was no difference in the hemoglobin levels before resection arthroplasty or on postoperative Day 3 between the study group and the control group, hemoglobin levels before reimplantation were higher in the patients who received epoetin alfa (12.4 mg/dL; range, 9.3-15.1 mg/dL) compared with the control group (11.3 mg/dL; range, 8.1-14.4 mg/dL). Average increase in hemoglobin level in the interval between stages was higher in the treatment group (3.2 mg/dL; range, -0.7-6.8 mg/dL) than the control group (1.7 mg/dL; range, -1.9-6 mg/dL). The transfusion rate decreased from 83% of patients in the control group to 34% in the study group during reimplantation. In addition, overall incidence of transfusion for either stage improved from 89% in the control group to 44% in the patients treated with epoetin alfa. Perioperative epoetin alfa statistically increased the hemoglobin levels and decreased transfusion rates for patients undergoing two-stage revision for infected total knee arthroplasty.

Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Knee; Blood Loss, Surgical; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Knee Prosthesis; Prospective Studies; Prosthesis-Related Infections; Recombinant Proteins; Reoperation

Topics: Arthroplasty, Replacement, Hip; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Recombinant Proteins; Reoperation

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Recombinant Proteins; Spine

Topics: Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Child; Cost-Benefit Analysis; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Length of Stay; Recombinant Proteins; Scoliosis; Spine

Because anemia is associated with reduced long-term survival, and because allogeneic transfusion is linked to increased recurrence of disease and reduced rates of long-term survival, alternative options for managing anemia in the orthopedic oncologic patient have been sought. Managing the anemia of cancer is particularly challenging given the many obstacles to employing conventional blood management options. One potential means of treating perioperative anemia in orthopedic oncologic patients involves the use of Epoetin alfa. The clinical utility of Epoetin alfa in this setting, however, must be determined in controlled trials.

Topics: Anemia; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion, Autologous; Bone Neoplasms; Combined Modality Therapy; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Hematinics; Humans; Recombinant Proteins; Recurrence; Transfusion Reaction

Due to the increased risks associated with allogenic blood transfusion, blood management in surgical procedures, especially in orthopedic settings, should include reduction of perioperative blood loss. Preoperative nursing assessment will help define patients at increased risk for transfusion. Both nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic techniques can help minimize allogenic transfusion by reducing blood loss. One such method of managing anemia and reducing patient exposure to allogenic transfusion is the perioperative use of recombinant human erythropoietin--erythropoietin alfa--an innovative surgical blood management tool. Increased awareness by perioperative nurses of the use of erythropoietin alfa and patient implications can contribute to the overall blood conservation goal.

Topics: Anemia; Anesthesia, Epidural; Blood Loss, Surgical; Blood Transfusion; Christianity; Contraindications; Elective Surgical Procedures; Epoetin Alfa; Erythropoietin; Female; Hematinics; Humans; Operating Rooms; Perioperative Nursing; Recombinant Proteins; Treatment Refusal; United States