Intravenous Administration of Recombinant Human Erythropoietin (EPO) for Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) Patients

Recombinant human erythropoietin (EPO) is an effective agent for the treatment of the anemia of end-stage renal disease. The efficacy of intravenous administration in hemodialysis or CAPD patients has been established. However, especially in CAPD patients, the ideal dosage and mode of administration are not identified yet. We administered a dose of 6000U/bo.dy of EPO once a week to 6 CAPD patients (4 males and 2 females) whose mean age was 42.3 years old. All patients improved their anemia after 12 weeks follow-up. However, the patients whose serum iron or ferritin were low level showed less response to EPO. Four patients needed additional antihypertensive medications. Major side effects were not noted. Subsequently, we ran a second trial. Three patients who did not satisfactorily respond to EPO were switched to the dose of 9000U/body of EPO. Hematocrit incresased higher than those seen in the dose of 6000U in all 4 patients. We conclude that intravenous administration of EPO is very safe and effective for the treatment of the anemia of CAPD patients.