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Open Access 01-12-2020 | Erythropoietin | Research article

Efficacy and safety of erythropoietin for traumatic brain injury

Authors: Motao Liu, Amy J. Wang, Yu Chen, Gexin Zhao, Zhifeng Jiang, Xinbang Wang, Dongliang Shi, Tiansong Zhang, Bomin Sun, Hua He, Ziv Williams, Kejia Hu

Published in: BMC Neurology | Issue 1/2020

Abstract

Background

Recent studies regarding the effects of erythropoietin (EPO) for treating traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been inconsistent. This study conducts a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to assess the safety and efficacy of EPO for TBI patients at various follow-up time points.

Methods

A literature search was performed using PubMed, Web of Science, MEDLINE, Embase, Google Scholar and the Cochrane Library for RCTs studying EPO in TBI patients published through March 2019. Non-English manuscripts and non-human studies were excluded. The assessed outcomes include mortality, neurological recovery and associated adverse effects. Dichotomous variables are presented as risk ratios (RR) with a 95% confidence interval (CI).

Results

A total of seven RCTs involving 1197 TBI patients (611 treated with EPO, 586 treated with placebo) were included in this study. Compared to the placebo arm, treatment with EPO did not improve acute hospital mortality or short-term mortality. However, there was a significant improvement in mid-term (6 months) follow-up survival rates. EPO administration was not associated with neurological function improvement. Regarding adverse effects, EPO treatment did not increase the incidence of thromboembolic events or other associated adverse events.

Conclusions

This meta-analysis indicates a slight mortality benefit for TBI patients treated with EPO at mid-term follow-up. EPO does not improve in-hospital mortality, nor does it increase adverse events including thrombotic, cardiovascular and other associated complications. Our analysis did not demonstrate a significant beneficial effect of EPO intervention on the recovery of neurological function. Future RCTs are required to further characterize the use of EPO in TBI.

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Title: Efficacy and safety of erythropoietin for traumatic brain injury
Authors: Motao Liu
Amy J. Wang
Yu Chen
Gexin Zhao
Zhifeng Jiang
Xinbang Wang
Dongliang Shi
Tiansong Zhang
Bomin Sun
Hua He
Ziv Williams
Kejia Hu
Publication date: 01-12-2020
Publisher: BioMed Central
Keywords: Erythropoietin
Central Nervous System Trauma
Erythropoietin
Epoetin alfa
Published in: BMC Neurology / Issue 1/2020
Electronic ISSN: 1471-2377
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12883-020-01958-z

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Efficacy and safety of erythropoietin for traumatic brain injury

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

Keynote webinar | Spotlight on medication adherence

Springer Medicine

Abstract

Background

Methods

Results

Conclusions

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