Subcutaneous erythropoietin administration in predialysis patients: a single centre prospective study

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Abstract
Since 1991 we have used subcutaneous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) in predialysis patients selected on the basis of chronic anaemia [haemoglobin (Hb)2+ 8.2 mg/kgs/week). Every patient had improved physical and intellectual ability after rHuEpo within the first month. No adverse side effects were noted but all patients were under antihypertensive therapy (one to three drugs). Serum potassium was unchanged. Mean creatinine before treatment was 507 μmol/1, and was 820 μmol/1 after the treatment. Progression of renal failure was only affected by rHuEpo in one patient. In this case renal failure progression decreased. There was no significant alteration in the slope of the creatinine curve from 12 months before to after rHuEpo. Ten patients underwent dialysis (five CAPD, five haemodialysis), while six remained dialysis free. From January 1991 to December 1993 rHuEpo was given to 12.3% of the end-stage renal failure patients on dialysis. This rate was comparable to the incidence of rHuEpo treated new dialysis patients (15.3%). rHuEpo-treated patients remained in good clinical condition, and were able to participate actively in their treatment (five CAPD and two home haemodialysis).

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