Treating renal anaemia with recombinant human erythropoietin: practical guidelines and a clinical algorithm.
Treatment with erythropoietin is highly effective and beneficial if given with care. In view of its cost, however, it is essential to exclude and treat other causes of anaemia before considering using this hormone. After treatment is started the important points for success are regular review of iron availability state combined with a slow correction of the anaemia. Failure of response requires a thorough search for a possible cause, which should be corrected before considering an increased dose of the hormone. Regular monitoring for potential complications, particularly a rise in blood pressure, is required.
Macdougall
I C
IC
Institute of Nephrology, University of Wales College of Medicine, Cardiff.
Hutton
R D
RD
Cavill
I
I
Coles
G A
GA
Williams
J D
JD
D000465:Algorithms; D000740:Anemia / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D003657:Decision Making; D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004351:Drug Resistance; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications*; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use
D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin