Effects of erythropoietin on trace elements in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis

We examined the relationship between recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) therapy and serum levels of the trace elements aluminum, silicon, zinc, nickel, and manganese in 55 patients undergoing chronic hemodialysis (HD) in whom rHuEPO (for 12 weeks) was effective in reducing anemia, and in 55 patients undergoing HD without rHuEPO treatment. In the rHuEPO group, serum Al level was significantly decreased and Si level showed a tendency to decrease. Zn, Ni, and Mn levels, however, were significantly increased.