Erythropoietin for the Treatment of Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Review

OBJECTIVE: Subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) has a worldwide incidence of approximately 10.5 cases per 100,000 person-years and constitutes 3% of all strokes. Erythropoietin (EPO) has recently been proposed for the treatment of a variety of brain diseases, including SAH, because of its neuroprotective effects. Hence, the current evidence in the published literature was reviewed to determine the potential utility of EPO in the treatment of SAH. METHODS: A careful retrospective review of the literature was performed to determine the potential benefit of employing EPO in the treatment of SAH and its sequelae. RESULTS: Careful literature review revelaed that the use of EPO may not necessarily reduce the incidence of vasospasm after SAH, but it may reduce the severity and its eventual outcome. CONCLUSION: Given the recent trial results, a dose-escalation study and subsequent randomized trial should be considered.