Erythropoietin and arterial hypertension.

Erythropoietin (EPO) has revolutionized the treatment of anemia in renal failure patients, both in the pre- and postdialysis phase. Not only does the treatment improve well being, but also it positively influences cardiac function and permits cardiac hypertrophy to regress. EPO can lead to an increase in blood pressure; the mechanisms of this effect are not entirely clear. By optimizing dialysis treatment, paying close attention to volume regulation, giving EPO subcutaneously and in a fashion to increase hematocrit gradually, the occurrence of blood pressure increases can be minimized. Hypertension has not proved to be a serious general problem in the EPO treated patient.