[Erythropoietin: dosage forms and therapeutic indications]

ABSTRACT

Erythropoietin is a growth factor specific of the erythroid cells. The erythropoietin gene was first cloned in 1985, and very rapidly the first clinical studies started. The drug was first used in France in 1988 for the treatment of the anemia of hemodialysis patients with end-stage renal disease. Then the indication also included the treatment of the anemia in children on hemodialysis, the anemia of the adults on peritoneal dialysis, and the renal anemia of the adults on peritoneal dialysis, and the renal anemia of adults with renal diseases suffering from chronic renal failure. In addition to renal insufficiency, the recombinant human erythropoietin has other indications -treatment and prevention of anemia in premature babies.- To increase autologous blood donation before elective surgery. - Prevention and treatment of anemia in adult patients with solid tumors treated with chemotherapy