ERYTROPOIETIN AND IRON TREATMENTS IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE A CONSENSUS REPORT

One of the drugs which is restricted in clinical use because of economical factors is erythropoietin ( r-HuEpo). Because of high costs, r-HuEpo should be given by correct dosage and best route to provide maximum effect. Resistance to r-HuEpo should be known well and required investigations and managements must be done. The most important factor of resistance to r-HuEpo is iron deficiency. Since 1996 nephrology meetings which are especially sponsored by Dokuz Eylül and Ege University Hospitals and the other city hospitals where dialysis therapy are given have been performed every 3 months in Izmir. In the last meeting in June 1998 rHuEpo and iron treatments in chronic renal failure patients were discussed and a consensus report was written. In this lecture, the consensus report will be presented.