INFLUENCE OF ERYTHROPOIETIN (EPO) ON DIEL ECTRIC-PROPERTIES OF ERYTHROCYTES IN PATIENTS ON CHRONIC-HEMODIALYSIS

We showed in our previous studies that chronic renal failure induces s ome changes of dielectric properties of erythrocytes which reflect the disturbances of function and structure of the red cells. The aim of t he present study was to determine whether EPO-treatment causes any imp rovement of the dielectric properties of erythrocytes. In 5 anemic hd patients EPO-treatment was initiated and maintained for three months. Before and after 4, 8 and 12 weeks of the treatment blood samples were taken and examined. The result showed in alt patients a progressive s ignificant increase of erythrocyte count and Hb-concentration, and a m arked tendency towards the normalization of dielectric parameters of e rythrocytes. The results suggest that treatment with EPO induces in hd patients not only quantitative but also qualitative changes of erythr ocytes.