Recombinant human erythropoietin corrects anaemia during the first weeks after renal transplantation: a randomized prospective study

Background. Studies on the effect of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) on haematopoiesis in patients with kidney transplants, have been limited to progressive chronic graft failure, late after transplantation. In the present prospective randomized study, the efficacy of rHuEpo in the correction of anaemia during the first weeks after renal transplantation (RTP) was evaluated. Methods. Patients were allocated to either an Epo(n = 14) or a non-Epo-treated group (n = 15). Epo (150 U/kg.week s.c.) was started at a haematocrit (Hct) 2x higher than the one required before RTP (197.1±45.1 vs 85.0±76.0 U/kg.week ; P<0.05). Conclusions. It is concluded that rHuEpo during the first weeks after RTP is of benefit in the correction of the Hct in the early post-surgical period, in spite of relative Epo resistance.