ackground : Anemia is a major complication of chronic renal failure. Recombinant human erythropoietin (rhuEPO) has proven to be a highly effective treatment for the anemia of end stage renal disease.
Methods : We administered rhuEPO to 15 anemic patients of end-stage renal disease who
were undergoing hemodialysis. Recombinant human erythropoietin was given intravenously
twice a week after dialysis. Ttansfusion requirements, hemoglobin, hematocrit, reticulocyte,
ferrokinetics, BUN, creatinine, electrolytes and adverse reactions were monitored.
Results :
1) In 15 patients treated for 8 weeks, hemoglobin level increased from initial mean (±SD)
6.4±0.64 g/dl to 8.6±0.69 g/dl (p<0.01). Hematocrit level increased from initial mean 18.9±
1.79% to 25.2±3.36% (p<0.01). Reticulocyte level increased from initial mean 1.2±0.93% to 2.1
±1.02% (p<0.01).
2) Serum iron level decreased from initial mean 128.3±98.54 ug/dl to 95.4±75.41 ug/dl
(p<0.01) and ferritin level decreased from initial 1454.3±732.52±52 ng/dl to 1213.5±534.43
ng/dl (p<0.05).
3) There were no significant differences in the serum levels of BUN, creatinine, NA K and
phosphorus before and after the treatment..
4) Adverse reaction of rhuEPO were observed in 2 paitents. One was occlusion of
arteriovenous fistula and the other was severe itching sensation.
5) The patients were transfused 1.6 pints of packed red cell per month before the
treatment, but they no longer needed transfusion after the treatment.
Conclusion : These results suggest that recombinant human erythropoietin is safe and may
eliminate the need for transfusion in anemic patient of end-stage real disease.
|