Experience of erythropoietin in anemia of end stage renal disease.

Recombinant human erythropoietin 50 units/kg intravenous twice a week was given to 9 anemic patients and end stage renal disease (ESRD) who were undergoing dialysis at the Kidney Centre. Of the total, 8 required no transfusion since the initiation of therapy and their haematocrit increased to approximately 29% or more with the improvement in general condition, sense of well being and exercise tolerance. One patient showed an increase in serum creatinine and two iron deficiency during therapy. In all cases blood pressure remained adequately controlled. No organ dysfunction or any other complication was observed.