[Improvement of the anemia associated with multiple myeloma and renal dysfunction by recombinant human erythropoietin].

Recombinant human erythropoietin was administered to an anemic patient with multiple myeloma (IgD, lambda type) and renal dysfunction who had been dependent on blood transfusions. Three thousand units of the recombinant human erythropoietin was given intravenously three times a week. Thereafter transfusion requirements, hemoglobin level, and reticulocyte responses have been monitored. An increase in hemoglobin level and reticulocyte counts was observed within 10 days and then further blood transfusion was not necessary. Neither organ dysfunction nor toxic effects were observed. The administration of recombinant human erythropoietin can be a new method to treat anemia associated with multiple myeloma and renal dysfunction.