Clinical administration of epoetin alfa recombinant

Erythropoietin, a naturally occurring human protein that stimulates red blood cell production, is secreted by the kidney in direct response to anemia and hypoxia. This mechanism is absent in those with impaired renal function; thus, those suffering from chronic renal failure may develop anemia evidenced by very low hemoglobin and hematocrit, low red blood cell count, and low reticulocyte count. Commercially available epoetin alfa recombinant may be administered intravenously or subcutaneously to reverse this deficiency.