title: The use of subcutaneous erythropoietin in CAPD patients.
abstract: There is little data available on the use of erythropoietin in CAPD patients. The available pharmacokinetic and clinical data suggest that a low dose of subcutaneous erythropoietin might be effective. Seven CAPD patients, without active malignancy or infection, self-administered erythropoietin, 2,000 units (a mean of 32 units/kg) subcutaneously, three times a week. The Hct rose from 23% to 31% in a mean treatment time of 7 weeks, or a rate of rise of 1.2% per week. Three of the patients had previously been transfusion dependent. One of these patients and two additional had iron overload (ferritin level greater than 2,000 ng/ml). The drug was paid for by Medicaid (two patients) or private insurance, with the patient paying the uncovered portion, generally 20%. Side effects were minimal. Low dose subcutaneous erythropoietin is effective in CAPD patients.
authors.affiliation: Department of Medicine, University of Pittsburgh, PA.
authors.forename: B
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Piraino
authors.forename: J R
authors.initials: JR
authors.lastname: Johnston
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000740:Anemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001794:Blood Pressure / Q000187:drug effects; D004906:Erythrocyte Count / Q000187:drug effects; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007279:Injections, Subcutaneous; D007676:Kidney Failure, Chronic / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010531:Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D012646:Self Administration
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin; D005293:Ferritins