Correction of anemia of chronic renal failure in children using recombinant erythropoietin

ABSTRACT

10 children with renal failure [age range 4-15 years, mean = 8.5 years, 6 girls and 4 boys], with serum creatinine values ranging from 1.7 mg/dl to 4 lmg/dl. 8 children were maintained by long term dialysis and 2 were managed conservatively. They had successful treatment of their anemia after subcutaneous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin [RHEpo] in a dose of 40 units/kilogram/day 3 times per week. Two patients had concomitant iron deficiency, necessitating iron supplementation in order to achieve a satisfactory response with erythropoietin. Few side effect were noted None of the normotensive patients developed hypertension, two hypertensive patients required an increase in the dose of antihypertensive medication to maintain normal blood pressure. It was concluded that, in children with chronic renal failure, the use of RHEpo to correct anemia is safe and effective, avoiding the risks of repeated blood transfusions, and resulting in improved hemodynamic and cardiac conditions. It is also expected to result in a beneficial effect on growth in children on the long term