The Effects of Erythropoietin in the Management of Anemia of Chronic Renal Failure in Patients on Hemodialysis

Introdaction: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic and side effects of erythropoietin in the management of anemia in chronic renal failure. In this study, 60 patients were given Erythropoietin subcutaneously three times/week for 2 months.

Mean hemoglobin of patients was recorded before beginning Erythropoietin and also one weeks, one month and two months after treatment.

Mean hemoglobin value before treatment was 7.6 g/dl that increased to 9.08g/dl 2 months later. Hemoglobin levels were not dependent on the age and sex of the patient, but there was a meaningful difference between diabetics and nondiabetics.

The side effects of Erythropoietin in this study in order of frequency were as follows: Hypertension, A.V fistula thrombosis, allergy and seizure.