Ameliorating effect of erythropoietin in a severe case of COVID-19: case report
Mais Mamoon Maufak1, Gulfaraz Khan2, Ani Purushothaman3
1Intensive Care Unit, Thumbay Hospital, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.
Abstract:
The COVID-19 pandemic is arguably one of the greatest public health crises since the 1918 influenza pandemic. Although several vaccines have been approved and rolled out, effective antiviral treatment options are very limited. Here, we present a case of severe COVID-19 that failed to respond to the standard interventions and continued to deteriorate. On day 22 of his illness, after informed consent, the patient was administered 4000IU of erythropoietin (EPO) subcutaneously, in the hope of improving his O2 saturation. Positive response was observed in the patient within 24 hours. This prompted us to continued EPO treatment for a total of 42 days until full recovery and discharge. Our findings warrant further studies to ascertain the use of EPO in severe cases COVID-19.
Related Concept Videos
Factors Affecting Erythropoiesis
Several factors influence the erythrocyte production rate, with tissue oxygen level being among the most critical. Intense exercise or high altitudes can cause tissue hypoxia, which triggers the kidneys to release more erythropoietin (EPO) into the bloodstream.
EPO then...
Erythropoiesis
Treatment for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension: Oxygen Therapy for Respiratory Failure
Oxygen therapy is vital in increasing and maintaining blood oxygen levels in PAH patients. As a result, it aids in reducing fatigue,...
Acute Respiratory Failure-II
The underlying physiological abnormalities that contribute to hypoxemic respiratory failure include:
Acute Respiratory Failure-III
Acute Respiratory Failure-I
Definition: It is defined by specific criteria based on blood gas measurements. Hypoxemia happens when the partial pressure of oxygen (PaO2) falls below 60 mmHg. At the same time,...


