[Chronic kidney failure, anemia and erythropoietin]

The article gives an account of contemporary knowledge of the treatment of anaemia in dialyzed patients by human recombinant erythropoietin. It was obtained by genetic engineering. It is very effective in the treatment of anaemia in patients included in a dialyzation programme, unless factors are present which reduce its effect (iron deficiency, Al cumulation and others). Along with red cell haematopoiesis, some other organs and systems are affected. The main undesirable effects may be hypertension and vascular thrombosis. In case of correct treatment and careful monitoring of treatment, these effects are outweighed by the assets of treatment. The drug is very expensive and it is important to pay attention to its effective use not only with regard to the patients but also to wider aspects associated with the care of dialyzed patients and the operation of dialyzation centres.