Effect of Erythropoietin Therapy on Lipid Profle in Patients on Regular Haemodialysis

Abstract

Epo-therapy is a successful treatment for anaemia of renal failure. Its long term effects on lipid profile have not been documented. In the literature, there were few and very contrasting reports on the effects of Epo on lipid metabolism. A trial was done to assess the effect of Epo therapy on lipid profile in 20 patients (8 males and 12 females) from Kasr El Aini Hospital with CRF on regular haemodialysis, 3 sessions I week for a period of 1-10 years (7.31 ±1.25). Complete blood picture and lipid profile were estimated for each patient before and after the study. At the end of the study, patients were classified according to the improvement of Hb into group A (Hb > 1 Ogm/dl) and group B (Hb < 1Ogm/dl). There was a statistical significant improvement of lipid profile in patients in group B in the form of decrease inCh, LDL-ch and ApoB lipoprotein serum level. On the other hand there was a statistical significant deterioration in lipid profile in group A in the form of increase inCh, TG, LDL-ch and ApoB­ lipoprotein serum level. It was concluded that Long-term Epo treatment positively affects the lipid profile, but in some patients who show exaggerated increase in their food intake these effects may be balanced and overcomed by increment in some atherogenic blood lipid fractions.