Erythropoietin and its use in renal failure

Abstract

Causative treatment of anaemia associated with renal failure with human recombinant erythropoietin (rHuEPO) represents undoubtedly one of the most exciting benefits in the complex therapeutic care of patients on maintenance dialysis. Ten years have passed since the first clinical experience with rHuEPO. At present, the number of patients on rHuEPO therapy has increased to more than 300,000 worldwide. All of us being involved in renal and dialysis care should have knowledge on how to deal with this drug, what its benefits are as well as its potential untoward effects and limits.