Human Recombinant Erythropoietin in Anaemic Patients on Maintenance Haemodialysis. Secondary effects of the Increase of Haemoglobin

Abstract

Twelve anaemic patients on haemodialysis were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin, starting with 72 IU/kg/week. The dose was doubled after 2 weeks until an increase of 2 g/dl of haemoglobin was observed. The effects on various parameters were studied during a 3-month period. Haemogiobin increased from 6.70±0.74 to l0.49±1.04g/dl (mean±SD, PPPP<0.001) Three patients developed marked periarticular inflammation due to calcified deposits with a high calcium-phosphorus product of 6.8. An increase in arterial blood pressure was observed in three previously well-controlled hypertensive patients, one of whom developed hypertensive encephalopathy. We conclude that recombinant human erythropoietin is very effective in treating the anaemia of end-stage renal failure on haemodialysis. Regular estimations of serum potassium and phosphate are mandatory. In hypertensive individuals a further increase in blood pressure is possible.