Medium term response to H-R erythropoietin in CAPD patients: the influence of erythropoietin plasmatic levels and the effects on peritoneal transport capacity

Adv Perit Dial. 1991:7:296-300.

Abstract

Anemia of CRF has been corrected by use of H-R-EPO both in hemodialysis and CAPD patients. Long term response to subcutaneous EPO and its relationship with serum EPO levels remain to be established. Twenty-five CAPD patients treated with CAPD during 30 +/- 28 (mean +/- SD) months were included in this study. The follow-up period was 6-24 months. All patients have been on CAPD at least 6 months and their Hemoglobin (Hb) level was lower than 8.5 g/dl. Twelve patients received EPO by subcutaneous route, at doses of 20 u./Kg daily and 13 other patients at doses of 2000 units twice a week. Thereafter, these doses were adjusted to obtain a Hemoglobin level ranging 10.5-13 g/dl. In conclusion, our results suggest that the subcutaneous route for H-R-Erythropoietin can be considered as the best choice for CAPD patients. Low doses twice a week seem to improve anemia in 2 months. Later, dose adjustment should be done according to the patient's response. The improvement in nutritional status we observed suggests a new positive aspect for EPO therapy. Our data did not show changes in peritoneal function.

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Anemia / blood
  • Anemia / etiology
  • Anemia / therapy
  • Biological Transport
  • Creatinine / metabolism
  • Erythropoietin / administration & dosage*
  • Erythropoietin / blood
  • Female
  • Hematocrit
  • Hemoglobins / analysis
  • Humans
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / complications
  • Kidney Failure, Chronic / metabolism
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Peritoneal Dialysis, Continuous Ambulatory*
  • Peritoneum / physiopathology*
  • Ultrafiltration
  • Urea / metabolism

Substances

  • Hemoglobins
  • Erythropoietin
  • Urea
  • Creatinine