The use of subcutaneous erythropoietin in CAPD patients.

There is little data available on the use of erythropoietin in CAPD patients. The available pharmacokinetic and clinical data suggest that a low dose of subcutaneous erythropoietin might be effective. Seven CAPD patients, without active malignancy or infection, self-administered erythropoietin, 2,000 units (a mean of 32 units/kg) subcutaneously, three times a week. The Hct rose from 23% to 31% in a mean treatment time of 7 weeks, or a rate of rise of 1.2% per week. Three of the patients had previously been transfusion dependent. One of these patients and two additional had iron overload (ferritin level greater than 2,000 ng/ml). The drug was paid for by Medicaid (two patients) or private insurance, with the patient paying the uncovered portion, generally 20%. Side effects were minimal. Low dose subcutaneous erythropoietin is effective in CAPD patients.