Hemodynamics, fluids & transfusion
Erythropoietin in ICU patients receiving early red blood cell transfusions: A retrospective study of the impact on transfusion requirements
Authors' conclusion
Our study supports the hypothesis whereby EPO administration in severely anemic ICU patients reduces late transfusion needs, with a potentially higher survival rate.
Study context
- Population
- Adults in 4 ICUs with ICU stay ≥10 days and RBC transfusion within the first 48 h, without erythropoietin (EPO) contraindication28-month period
- Participants
- 190 adults
- Exposure
- EPO vs no EPO in ICU patients transfused early
- EPOn = 69
- Outcome
- Late RBC transfusion requirement
Methodological detailssingle-centre, multivariable analysis
- Single-centre
- Multivariable analysis
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
Late RBC transfusion requirement (subgroups)
EPO vs No EPOOdds ratio (95 % CI)
Trauma subgroup
0.29(0.10–0.85)
Non-trauma subgroup
0.03(0.004–0.18)
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
Hb level
- Median Hb rose in the EPO subgroup (g/dL)
- 1.2
Mortality (Cox model) · day 28 and 365
- Significant association of EPO with mortality
Original publication
Erythropoietin in ICU patients receiving early red blood cell transfusions: A retrospective study of the impact on transfusion requirements. J Crit Care. Published 19 March 2025. doi:10.
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