Additive effect of erythropoietin use on exercise-induced endothelial activation and hypercoagulability in athletes.

Heuberger JAAC, Posthuma JJ, Ziagkos D, Rotmans JI, Daniels JMA, Gal P, Stuurman FE, Spronk HMH, Ten Cate H, Burggraaf J, Moerland M, Cohen AF

Recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) is known to increase thrombotic risk in patients and might have similar effects in athletes abusing the drug. rHuEPO is prohibited by anti-doping legislation, but this risk has not been investigated thoroughly. This analysis was designed to evaluate whether rHuEPO impacts hemostatic profile and endothelial and platelet activation markers in trained subjects, and whether the combination with exercise affects exercise induced alterations.