The quality of life of hemodialysis recipients treated with recombinant human erythropoietin

Article Abstract:

Anemia is one the of major side effects experienced by patients who undergo hemodialysis treatment for end-stage renal (kidney) failure. This often creates a secondary set of problems for the patient. In an attempt to assess the effect of supplementary treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) upon the overall quality of life in this class of patients, a study of 300 individuals undergoing hemodialysis was performed. The compound rHuEPO refers to a genetically engineered molecule that is the equivalent of the hormone erythropoietin, which stimulates red blood cell production. The patients were from a total of nine dialysis centers and were assessed using clinical measurements and lifestyle evaluations. The clinical effects of rHuEPO included hematocrit measurements that were close to normal, relief of anemia symptoms, and elimination of the need for blood transfusion and the avoidance of the risks that accompany transfusions. The quality of life of these patients was also found to be greatly enhanced. Patients reported higher energy levels, increased physical activity, and a better perception of their overall health status. The results of this study support the use of rHuEPO as an effective treatment for patients suffering from anemia that is caused by hemodialysis treatments for end stage renal failure. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Health aspects, Evaluation, Quality of life, Dialysis, Dialysis (Chemical process), Chronic kidney failure

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Recombinant human erythropoietin in anemic patients with end-stage renal disease: results of a phase III multicenter clinical trial

Article Abstract:

Not all of the problems associated with end-stage kidney disease can be solved by dialysis. The diseased kidney can no longer produce an adequate supply of erythropoietin, a substance that stimulates the production of fresh erythrocytes (red blood cells) to replace those which are aging in the bloodstream. Using the techniques of DNA technology, it has become possible to manufacture large quantities of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo). Early trials have indicated that this drug is safe and effective in combatting severe anemia. In a phase III study conducted at several major US medical centers, 333 patients with end-stage kidney disease from a variety of causes were placed on rHuEpo therapy. In the six months prior to treatment, a total of 1,030 red blood cell transfusions were required by these patients; after two months of treatment virtually all patients were independent of transfusions and remain so. Of the eight patients who continued to have low red blood cell counts, four had other complicating conditions and four withdrew from the study before the 12-week minimum for evaluation. Recombinant human erythropoietin is safe, well-tolerated and effective. It should become standard therapy in the management of anemia associated with end-stage kidney disease. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Case studies, Physiological aspects, Erythropoietin, Kidney diseases

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The effects of normal as compared with low hematocrit values in patients with cardiac disease who are receiving hemodialysis and epoetin

Article Abstract:

Giving cardiac patients with end-stage kidney disease enough epoetin to raise their hematocrit to normal levels may do more harm than good. Epoetin is a synthetic version of a natural hormone that can prevent anemia in patients on dialysis. Researchers compared the effect of two dosages of epoetin on the health of 1,233 patients with heart and kidney disease who were on dialysis. The rates of heart attack and death were higher in those who received a dose of epoetin that raised their blood cell count to normal levels, compared to those who received lower doses.

Dosage and administration, Cardiac patients, Hemodialysis patients

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