OPTIMAL HEMOGLOBIN DURING TREATMENT WITH RECOMBINANT-HUMAN-ERYTHROPOIETIN

The optimal target haemoglobin during treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) is still controversial. The impact of haemog lobin on cardiovascular function or survival, on physical performance and on medical rehabilitation have to be taken into consideration. Alt hough currently there is no solid evidence to show that haemoglobin be yond that recommended by the nd hoc committee of the National Kidney F oundation improves survival, sound theoretical arguments can be offere d for this proposition, particularly in cardiac patients. It is sensib le to individualize the target haemoglobin and to avoid rapid correcti on of anaemia.