| 8600865 |
Green D, Lawler M, Rosen M, Bloom S, Duerden M, Turba R, Kern H, Kirschner K, Ronin D: Recombinant human erythropoietin: effect on the functional performance of anemic orthopedic patients. Arch Phys Med Rehabil. 1996 Mar;77(3):242-6.
OBJECTIVE: To determine whether rapid correction of anemia improves the functional and cognitive performance of postoperative orthopedic patients. DESIGN: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. SETTING: A rehabilitation institute. PATIENTS: Persons having orthopedic surgery at least 2 weeks previously, and a hemoglobin concentration < 10g/dL. INTERVENTIONS: Recombinant human erythropoietin (rH-EPO) or the EPO vehicle for up to 8 weeks. All patients received ferrous sulfate. MEASUREMENTS: Blood counts were performed at weekly intervals, and functional and cognitive tests at baseline and weeks 4 and 8. RESULTS: In patients receiving vehicle only, hemoglobin levels increased from a mean of 9.0 at baseline to 11.0 at 4 weeks and 11.7 at 8 weeks; corresponding values for rH-EPO were 8.8 (p = NS), 12.6 (p = .02), and 13.5 (p = .01). However, functional improvement in dressing, toileting, and mobility was similar between groups, and the results of neuropsychological tests showed no trends favoring rH-EPO. CONCLUSIONS: Although hemoglobin increases more rapidly in anemic orthopedic patients treated with rH-EPO, equally rapid functional improvement occurs in those who receive only iron therapy. |
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