Prophylaxis with erythropoietin versus placebo reduces acute kidney injury and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin in patients undergoing cardiac surgery: a randomized, double-blind controlled trial

Background Cardiac surgery-associated acute kidney injury (CSA-AKI) is a common complication following coronary bypass graft (CABG) surgery. Multi-factorial causes of CSA-AKI involve oxidative stress and inflammation. Erythropoietin (EPO) has been shown from many studies to have a reno-protective effect. The present study was conducted to examine the role of EPO in preventing CSA-AKI.