Erythropoiesis and erythropoietin levels in renal transplant recipients

M. Wolff*, W. Jelkmann

*Corresponding author for this work
16 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Moderately increased blood levels of endogenous erythropoietin (Epo) usually induce complete restoration of renal anemia after successful kidney transplantation. With good graft function erythropoiesis is maintained by normal Epo serum levels. Persistent anemia can be related to iron deficiency, low excretory graft function, and high dosage of immunosuppressive agents leading to marrow suppression or nephrotoxicity. Acute early rejection is associated with a fall in serum Epo and abrogation of reticulocytosis. About 15% of recipients fail to exhibit the normal feedback regulation and develop a mostly transient post-transplant erythrocytosis. Both an increased sensitivity of erythrocytic progenitors to Epo and inappropriate Epo secretion by the native kidneys may account for this overshooting reaction.

Original languageEnglish
JournalKlinische Wochenschrift
Volume69
Issue number2
Pages (from-to)53-58
Number of pages6
ISSN0023-2173
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 01.1991

Research Areas and Centers

  • Academic Focus: Center for Brain, Behavior and Metabolism (CBBM)

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