Efficacy of once- versus thrice-weekly subcutaneous recombinant human erythropoietin in children receiving continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis.

The subcutaneous administration of recombinant human erythropoietin is effective in the treatment of anemia of end-stage renal disease. Single-dose pharmacokinetic studies suggest the possibility of less frequent dosing via the subcutaneous route. In this study, dosing once-weekly was as effective as thrice-weekly subcutaneous dosing in maintaining the corrected hematocrit in a group of children receiving continuous cycling peritoneal dialysis. This regimen was preferred by and beneficial to both patients and their parents.