Erythropoietin for anemia
Article Abstract:
Erythropoietin is a glycoprotein, or glucose-protein hormone, released mainly by the kidney. Its production is decreased in patients with kidney failure. The United States Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of epoetin, an artificially produced human erythropoietin, for treating anemia in patients with kidney failure. Epoetin is given intravenously or subcutaneously by injection under the skin. After intravenous administration, the level of epoetin in the blood decreases by 50 percent within 5 to 13 hours, but the drug can still be detected in the blood at 24 hours. When given subcutaneously, epoetin reaches its highest blood levels within 4 to 24 hours, and then decreases slowly. Studies have shown epoetin improved hematocrit, a measure of the number of red blood cells, and increased the levels of hemoglobin, the oxygen-carrying pigment of red blood cells, in patients with kidney failure who were on dialysis, the filtration of blood to remove toxic wastes. In addition, some dialysis patients treated with epoetin no longer required blood transfusions. Epoetin also maintained the hematocrit, improved appetite, activity, and sexual function in patients with kidney failure who were not on dialysis. Epoetin may also be used to treat anemia associated with AIDS, acquired immunodeficiency syndrome, cancer, and rheumatoid arthritis. The serious side effects of epoetin include hypertension, or abnormally high blood pressure, seizures, and blood clotting. The doses and costs of epoetin are discussed. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1989
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Metastatic renal cell carcinoma: response to treatment with human recombinant erythropoietin
Article Abstract:
Some patients with renal cell carcinoma may benefit from treatment with human recombinant erythropoietin. Renal cell carcinoma is a type of kidney cancer. A 40-year-old man with renal cell carcinoma had his right kidney removed. Eighteen months later, the patient sought medical attention for abdominal pain, fatigue, and weight loss. A chest x-ray and a computed tomographic scan of the abdomen revealed metastases. The patient was treated with infused floxuridine and interferon-alpha which were ineffective. Physicians discontinued this therapy and ordered injections of 150 units of recombinant human erythropoietin per kilogram of body weight three times per week. Within six weeks, the patient's abdominal pain resolved and he began to feel better. The metastases regressed and the patient's chest x-ray was normal within four months. The patient is well 18 months after the start of recombinant human erythropoietin therapy.
Publication Name: Annals of Internal Medicine
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0003-4819
Year: 1995
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