Recombinant human erythropoietin in predialysis patients.
This report reviews the author's experience and the results of a multicenter study with regard to the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (Epo) in predialysis patients. The data demonstrate that Epo corrects anemia and improves quality-of-life assessment and exercise capacity in patients who are not dialyzed, but who have renal insufficiency. The incidence of hypertension was 22% in the Epo-treated subjects and 19% in the placebo group. Within the Epo-treated group, there appears to be a greater frequency of hypertensive events in those subjects receiving the higher dosages. The concern that Epo might accelerate the deterioration of renal function is not substantiated by several clinical studies.
Department of Internal Medicine, University of Iowa College of Medicine, Iowa City 52242.
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D000740:Anemia / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D000818:Animals; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007668:Kidney / Q000187:drug effects; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications* / Q000503:physiopathology; D011788:Quality of Life; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000494:pharmacology / Q000627:therapeutic use
D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin