Study objective: To compare the erythropoietic responses and tolerability of two recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) regimens.
Design: Prospective, open-label, multicenter study.
Setting: Three multidisciplinary intensive care units in Québec, Canada.
Patients: Sixty critically ill patients.
Intervention: The first 30 patients received EPO 40,000 U/week (group A); the next 30 received 40,000 U twice/week (group B).
Measurements and main results: Percent change from baseline in reticulocyte count and hemoglobin concentration were evaluated in both groups on study days 7 and 14. The numbers of adverse events were also compared between the two groups. No statistically significant differences were found in the results between the two groups.
Conclusion: Although the study had limitations, it suggested that EPO 40,000 U twice/week did not increase or sustain stimulation of the erythropoietic response compared with EPO 40,000 U/week in critically ill patients.