Effect of erythropoietin on level of circulating endothelial progenitor cells and outcome in patients after acute ischemic stroke

Hon Kan Yip*, Tzu Hsien Tsai, Hung Sheng Lin, Shu Fang Chen, Cheuk Kwan Sun, Steve Leu, Chun Man Yuen, Teng Yeow Tan, Min Yu Lan, Chia Wei Liou, Cheng Hsien Lu, Wen Neng Chang

*Corresponding author for this work

Research output: Contribution to journalJournal Article peer-review

91 Scopus citations

Abstract

Introduction: Erythropoietin (EPO) enhances the circulating level of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs), which has been reported to be associated with prognostic outcome in ischemic stroke (IS) patients. The aim of this study was to evaluate the time course of circulating EPC level and the impact of EPO therapy on EPC level and clinical outcome in patients after acute IS.Methods: In total, 167 patients were prospectively randomized to receive either EPO therapy (group 1) (5,000 IU each time, subcutaneously) at 48 h and 72 h after acute IS, or serve as placebo (group 2). The circulating level of EPCs (double-stained markers: CD31/CD34 (E1), CD62E/CD34 (E2) and KDR/CD34 (E3)) was determined using flow cytometry at 48 h and on days 7 and 21 after IS. EPC level was also evaluated once in 60 healthy volunteers.Results: Circulating EPC (E1 to E3) level at 48 h after IS was remarkably higher in patients than in control subjects (P < 0.02). At 48 h and on Day 7 after IS, EPC (E1 to E3) level did not differ between groups 1 and 2 (all P > 0.1). However, by Day 21, EPC (E1 to E3) level was significantly higher in group 1 than in group 2 (all P < 0.03). Additionally, 90-day recurrent stroke rate was notably lower in group 1 compared with group 2 (P = 0.022). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that EPO therapy (95% confidence interval (CI), 0.153 to 0.730; P = 0.006) and EPC (E3) (95% CI, 0.341 to 0.997; P = 0.049) levels were significantly and independently predictive of a reduced 90-day major adverse neurological event (MANE) (defined as recurrent stroke, National Institutes of Health Stroke scale ≥8, or death).Conclusions: EPO therapy significantly improved circulating EPC level and 90-day MANE.Trial registration number: ISRCTN: ISRCTN96340690.

Original languageEnglish
Article numberR40
JournalCritical Care
Volume15
Issue number1
DOIs
StatePublished - 26 01 2011

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