In this Article

• What is erythropoietin (EPO)?
• Chemically, what is erythropoietin (EPO)?
• What exactly does erythropoietin (EPO) do?
• Is the kidney the sole source of erythropoietin (EPO)?
• Why is an erythropoietin (EPO) test performed?
• How is the erythropoietin (EPO) test performed?
• What are normal erythropoietin (EPO) levels?
• What does an abnormal erythropoietin (EPO) level indicate?
• Can person without a medical disease or condition have a high erythropoietin (EPO) level?
• Is erythropoietin (EPO) available as a prescribed medication?
• What are the clinical uses of erythropoietin (EPO)?
• Erythropoietin (EPO) At A Glance
• Erythropoietin Index

What are the clinical uses of erythropoietin?

Erythropoietin [epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit)] is used in many clinical settings. The most common use is in people with anemia (low blood count) related to kidney dysfunction. When the kidneys are not properly functioning, they produce less than normal amounts of erythropoietin, which can lead to low red blood cell production, or anemia. Therefore, by replacing the erythropoietin with an injection of synthetic erythropoietin, anemia related to kidney disease may be treated. Currently, Epogen or Procrit is a standard part of therapy in patients with kidney disease who require dialysis to both treat and prevent anemia.

Other uses of erythropoietin may include treatment of anemia related to the medication AZT (used to treat AIDS) and anemia associated with cancer.

Erythropoietin At A Glance

• Erythropoietin (EPO) is a hormone produced by the kidney.
  
  
• Erythropoietin promotes the formation of red blood cells by the bone marrow.
  
  
• The erythropoietin hormone level can be detected and measured in the blood (the EPO test).
  
  
• Measurement of the blood erythropoietin level can be used to detect certain conditions.
  
  
• Erythropoietin can be synthesized and used as a treatment of some forms of anemia.
  
  
• Erythropoietin has been misused as a performance-enhancing drug by some athletes.

Suggested Reading by Our Doctors

• epoetin alfa, Epogen, Procrit - Explains the medication epoetin alfa (Epogen, Procrit), a drug used to treat anemia (low red blood cell count) that is associated with chronic kidney failure in patients who are or will be receiving renal dialysis.
• Hemoglobin - Read about hemoglobin - the protein molecule in red blood cells. Learn what normal, low, and high level hemoglobin counts mean on MedicineNet.com
• Kidney Failure - Learn about kidney failure, in which the body has fluid retention, risen blood pressure, toxin build up and lack of red blood cells. Symptoms include fatigue, nausea, and apetite loss.

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