Evaluation of recombinant human erythropoietin as a promoter of bone healing in cats with femoral fractures.

Background: The bone regeneration potential of erythropoietin (EPO) is not yet fully investigated, but some previous experimental studies demonstrated that its application activated the differentiation of osteoblasts and promoted bone formation. Aim: The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rhEpo) on bone healing in cats with fragmented long bone fractures. Methods: Twelve cats were divided into two groups--control (n = 6) in which physiological saline was applied at the fracture gap site and EPO (n = 6) with the application of 1,000 IU rhEpo. The effects of EPO on blood erythrocyte counts, hemoglobin content, and hematocrit were monitored by serial complete blood cell tests, whereas bone formation was evaluated by clinical and radiographic examinations on post-operative weeks 1, 2, 3, 4, 6, and 8. Results: All tested blood parameters were within the reference range. A faster fracture healing and full limb weight-bearing were observed in the EPO group, with statistically significant differences with respect to the control group. Conclusion: The obtained results confirmed that the local application of rhEpo promoted bone healing in cats with fragmented femoral fractures and increased bone callus strength without having significant systemic effects. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]