Recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of anemia associated with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection and zidovudine therapy: overview of four clinical trials

Recombinant (genetically engineered) human erythropoietin (r-HuEPO) may be an effective and safe treatment for anemia in AIDS patients who are being treated with zidovudine (AZT). Treatment with zidovudine may increase the likelihood of anemia in AIDS patients or patients with AIDS related complex. Of 255 AIDS patients with anemia who were being treated with zidovudine, 125 were treated with 100 to 200 U of r-HuEPO per kilogram of body weight and 130 were treated with a placebo, an inactive substance. Among patients with 500 IU of natural erythropoietin per liter of blood or less, those treated with r-HuEPO required fewer blood transfusions and had a larger increase in their hematocrit (percentage of red blood cells) than those who received a placebo. Treatment with r-HuEPO had no effect on patients with more than 500 IU of natural erythropoietin per liter of blood.