title: Parameters influencing blood erythropoietin levels of renal transplant recipients during the early post-transplantation period.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Renal transplantation is accompanied by restoration of renal function and endogenous erythropoietin production. The purpose of this study was to investigate the time-related changes of endogenous erythropoietin secretion in the early renal post-transplant period and the influence of various parameters to this process.
  
  
  METHODS
  Fifty-eight patients were enrolled in the study and followed up for 3 months after successful renal transplantation. Erythropoietin levels were measured at regular intervals and correlated with renal function, cold ischemia time and immunosuppressive regimen used.
  
  
  RESULTS
  Two peaks of serum erythropoietin levels were observed: an early peak that occurred within two days after transplantation and a late one, between weeks 2 and 4, which resulted in increased blood hemoglobin levels. Factors that were found to correlate with erythropoietin levels were delayed graft function, cyclosporine use and prolonged cold ischemia time. Serum creatinine did not correlate to erythropoietin levels although the reduction of serum creatinine preceded the rise of erythropoietin levels. Normal hemoglobin values were restored about three months after successful renal transplantation.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Serum erythropoietin levels increase during the early post-transplantation period resulting in correction of anemia three months after a successful renal transplantation. Restoration of allograft function is a prerequisite for erythropoietin secretion, while cold ischemia time and immunosuppressive regimen affect graft function.
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Kalantzi
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Kalliakmani
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Papachristou
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Papasotiriou
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Savvidaki
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Zavvos
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: D
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Karavias
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece. Electronic address: dgoumenos@upatras.gr.
authors.forename: D S
authors.initials: DS
authors.lastname: Goumenos
authors.affiliation: University Hospital of Patras, Transplantation Center, Patras, Greece.
authors.forename: J G
authors.initials: JG
authors.lastname: Vlachojannis
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D051799:Delayed Graft Function / Q000097:blood* / Q000517:prevention & control; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood*; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011184:Postoperative Period; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013997:Time Factors; D066027:Transplant Recipients; D055815:Young Adult
chemical_list: D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D004921:Erythropoietin