Abstract

Objective: To assess the response of unadjusted dose of erythropoietin with respect to weight in
patients on dialysis.
Subjects and Methods: Fifty-five patients who previously had three dialysis sittings, had
received erythropoietin for at least one month and were coming on regular follow up dialysis in
dialysis clinic of Shifa International Hospital, Islamabad were included in this study.
Erythropoietin was given subcutaneously twice a week adding to a dose of 4000 units per week.
Hemoglobin level was determined at the end of study period.
Results: The over all increase in hemoglobin after the administration of erythropoietin was
1.18±0.06 g/dl. 87.3% patients responded to erythropoietin and showed a rise in their
hemoglobin, while 12.7% did not respond.
Conclusion: Unadjusted dose of erythropoietin showed increase in hemoglobin but in most of
the cases failed to achieve the target hemoglobin. In order to achieve the target hemoglobin,
administration of adjusted doses of rHuEPO is required. (Rawal Med J 2006;31:17-19)

Key words: Erythropoietin, anemia, and renal failure.