Circulating antibodies to endogenous erythropoietin and risk for HIV-1-related anemia

Summary Objectives In a previous retrospective study we have shown that circulating antibodies to endogenous erythropoietin (anti-EPO) are associated with HIV-1-related anemia. The present longitudinal cohort study was conducted to examine the effect of anti-EPO on the risk of developing anemia over time. Methods The study population consisted of 113 HIV-1 seropositive patients, who were screened for the presence of anti-EPO, with a mean±SD follow up of 105±40 months, for a total of 2190 visits. Anti-EPO were detected with an ELISA assay. Results Anti-EPO were detected in 41% (46/113) at enrollment and 29% (320/1094) for all visits, and were associated with higher EPO levels for all visits (45.7±60.4 vs. 31.8±31.7IU/ml, p Conclusions Anti-EPO are an independent risk factor for anemia in HIV-1-infected patients. HAART seems to reduce both anti-EPO and anemia prevalence.