The use of erythropoietin in patients undergoing radical prostatectomy: Effects on hematocrit, transfusion rates and quality of life

Objective: It was the aim of this study to prospectively study the effects on hematocrit levels, transfusion rates and quality of life (QOL) indices in men preoperatively supplemented with recombinant erythropoietin (rEPO) undergoing radical prostatectomy for clinically localized prostate cancer. Methods: Thirty men undergoing radical prostatectomy were randomized either to receive rEPO (n = 25) or to serve as controls (n = 25). Outcome measurements obtained preoperatively, as well as 10 days and 6 weeks postoperatively included serum hematocrit levels, transfusion rates and QOL indices (using SF-12 validated questionnaires). Results: The rEPO group had a significant increase in preoperative hematocrit (median increase = 4 points; p = 0.002). Although there were no significant differences in hematocrit at 10 days, the rEPO had a significantly higher hematocrit value at 6 weeks (p = 0.0086). No differences were observed in transfusions rates between groups (4% in each group). SF-12 mental and SF-12 physical scores were not different between the two groups at any time point. Conclusion: Preoperative administration of rEPO significantly increases preoperative and postoperative hematocrit levels. However, no differences were observed with regard to transfusion rates or postoperative QOL indices despite these higher hematocrit values.