Serum erythropoietin concentration in anephric patients

In 13 bilateral nephrectomized patients serum erythropoietin (SEp) activity could be measured quantitatively by use of the highly sensitive fetal mouse liver cell assay. SEp concentration in the majority of the cases was below the mean of normal controls. There was a significant positive correlation between SEp levels and hematocrits, suggesting erythropoietin (Ep) deficiency to be a causative factor in the anemia of the anephric state. Androgen therapy stimulated extrarenal Ep production in all of 5 anephric patients studied.