[Anemia in AIDS: the problem to avoid. Human recombinant erythropoietin in the treatment of HIV positive patients].

The most common hematological abnormality associated with HIV infection is anaemia. The aetiology is multifactorial and may include the HIV virus itself; the anaemia of chronic diseases (ACD); infection with other viruses, mycobacteria and fungi; medications, especially zidovudine; and even B12 deficiency. Erythropoietin insufficiency is present in all anaemic AIDS patients, probably as a result of the mechanism of ACD. The studies, performed in patients with PGL, ARC and AIDS stages of disease demonstrate that rHuEPO is safe, and in dose of 100-200 U/kg b.w. three times a week can alleviate the anemia in AIDS patients taking AZT whose baseline EPO levels are less than 500 mU/ml.