Role of recombinant human erythropoietin in predialysis patients of chronic renal failure

Experience with erythropoietin in the treatment of anaemia in predialysis patients is limited. This study was designed to investigate the efficacy, safety and impact of recombinant Human Erythropoietin [r-HU EPO] in the treatment of anaemia in predialysis chronic renal failure patients. The study included 19 patients and the treatment was administration of 50 I.U /kg r-HU EPO subcutaneously twice a week. The dose was reduced to 25 I.U/kg when the Hb level reached between 10-11 gm /dl and stopped when it went above 11 gm/dl. No side effects occurred during the period of study. The study concluded that r-HU EPO therapy improves anaemia in predialysis patients and doses not accelerate the progress to end stage renal disease