All issues > Volume 33(7); 1990

Original Article

J Korean Pediatr Soc. 1990;33(7):970-976. Published online July 31, 1990.

Recombinant Human Erythropoietin Therapy in Anemia Accompanied by Chronic Renal Failure.

Dong Kyu Jin¹, Hae Il Cheong¹, Yong Choi¹, Kwang Wook Ko¹

¹Department of Pediatrics, Seoul National University, College of Medicine, Seoul, Korea

Received: January 29, 1990;  Accepted: March 23, 1990.

Abstract

A clinical study was carried out to evaluate the efficacies of rHuEPO (recombinant human erythropoietin) in anemia of 7 chronic renal failure patients under dialysis at Seoul National University Children's Hospital from Feb. 1989 to Nov. 1989. The results were as follows; - 1) There was progressive increase of hematocrit levels in all 6 hemodialysis patients and mainte- nance dosage of rHuEPO to sustain hemoglobin 10~12 gm/dl was 100—125 U/kg/week and the patients did not need the transfusion any more. 2) With the use of 250 U/kg/week of rHuEPO, there was no need of transfusion and hematocrit increased to 30% in a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis patient. 3) There was progressive decrease of serum ferritin level over 8 months. 4) The complications of rHuEPO were transient hypertension and increase of BUN and creatinine in 1 case, and frequent clotting of dialyzer in 2 cases. 5) The beneficial effects of rHuEPO included increase of appetite, the activity of living and smooth sleep at night. 6) Therefore, rHuEPO can be used safely to improve the anemia accompanied by chronic renal failure and obviates the need of transfusion.

Keywords :rHuEPO, Chronic renal failure, Anemia