Effects of epoetin alfa on blood transfusions and postoperative recovery in orthopaedic surgery

Abstract

Epoetin alfa increases perioperative Hb concentration in mild-to-moderately anaemic patients and thus reduces transfusion requirements. Patients receiving blood transfusions require a longer hospitalization than non-transfused patients.

Analysing uncertainty around costs of innovative medical technologies: The case of fibrin sealant (QUIXIL®) for total knee replacement

“…The association between blood transfusion and hospital LOS in orthopaedic patients has been observed in the literature. Weber et al [21] found that time to discharge for patients undergoing orthopaedic surgery was longer in transfused than in non-transfused patients (12.9 ± 6.4 vs. 10.2 ± 5.0 days, p < 0.001). Others observed that allogeneic blood transfusion is associated with a significant increased hospital LOS after orthopaedic surgery [12,22].…”

Should intraoperative cell-salvaged blood be used in patients with suspected or known malignancy?

“…A large number of studies have shown that perioperative transfusion of allogeneic blood is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Poorer outcomes are ascribed to an increased risk of postoperative infection, 3-10 pulmonary complications, 8,11 greater number of ventilator days, 9,12 renal dysfunction requiring dialysis, 9 multi-organ dysfunction, 13 intensive care unit days, 10 increased length of stay, 14 and short-term mortality. 9,10 Risk-adjusted models have attempted to control for allogeneic transfusion as simply a marker for illness severity or complicated perioperative course.…”

Erythropoietic therapy: Cost efficiency and reimbursement

“…37 Er y thropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs). Erythropoietic agents, in particular epoetin alfa, have been used successfully to increase hemoglobin and decrease transfusion requirements [38][39][40][41][42][43] and are appropriate when used in advance of elective surgical procedures. Currently, epoetin alfa is the only ESA indicated for perioperative use to avoid allogeneic transfusions.…”