Intravenous administration of low doses of recombinant human erythropoietin in hemodialyzed patients

Abstract

We examined the necessity of intravenous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO), below 1, 500IU, in 4 hemodialyzed patients with progressive anemia since the minimal unit of rHuEPO is 1, 500IU. Progressive decreases in the hematocrit (Ht) levels disappeared following administration of 500IU rHuEPO 3 times weekly. Administration of rHuEPO from 500IU to 1, 000IU 3 times weekly increased the Ht level in a dose -dependent fashion and the effect of rHuEPO was stronger during periods in which the frequency of administration was greater than during periods in which the administered dose at one time was greater. Since it is important in terms of quality of life to maintain the Ht level, intravenous administration of low doses (500IU, 750IU, 1, 000IU) of rHuEPO is effective in the treatment of renal anemia.