Haemodynamic Effect of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin on Hypotensive Haemodialysis Patients

Abstract

The haemodynamic effects of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) on anaemic haemodialysis patients suffering from chronic hypotension were examined. rHuEpo increased the haematocrit to around 30% and increased diastolic blood pressure by 12.4%, statistically significant. Correspondingly, the total peripheral resistance index increased 42.3% while the cardiac index decreased 24.4% (P < 0.05) respectively. Blood volume, plasma renin activity and plasma noradrenaline did not change significantly. The extent of blood pressure elevation and haemodynamic alteration did not differ from our previous report on anaemic haemodialysis patients without hypotension. The incidence of hypotensive episodes and fluid supplementation did not change significantly after rHuEpo treatment. In conclusion, by using rHuEpo, approximately a 10% increase of blood pressure can be expected. However no substantial improvement in hypotensive episodes can be expected in chronic haemodialysis patients suffering from hypotension.