THE EFFECTS OF RHUEPO ADMINISTRATION ON PULMONARY FUNCTIONS IN HEMODIALYSIS-PATIENTS

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of erythropoietin therapy on pulmonary functions in haemodialysis patients. Thirteen pa tients with chronic renal failure on regular haemodialysis and in need of treatment for anaemia were treated with 45-60 U/kg erythropoietin three times a week. Thirteen haemodialysis patients constituted the co ntrol group. Patients receiving erythropoietin were given pulmonary fu nction tests prior to the treatment and after Hb levels had reached 10 g/dl. The interval between first and second pulmonary function tests was similar for both the control group and the erythropoietin group. T here was no significant difference between the results of the first an d the second pulmonary function tests of the control group. However, i n the erythropoietin group, the diffusing capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation, forced vital capacity and peak expiratory flow rate value s increased significantly. The existence of a relationship between the diffusing capacity and anaemia is well known. Rises in other paramete rs following erythropoietin administration might be the result of a ga in in respiratory muscle strength consequent to aneamia correction.