Effect of erythropoietin in a patient with severe congestive heart failure--a case report

Erythropoietin (EPO), traditionally known as a hematopoietic hormone, has recently been shown to have effects beyond hematopoiesis such as prevention of neuronal and cardiac apoptosis secondary to ischemia and induction of neoangiogenesis. Patients with congestive heart failure (CHF) suffer considerable morbidity and mortality despite advances in therapy. Anemia, CHF, and chronic kidney insuficiency often coexist and interact to cause or worsen each other in the so-called cardio-renal anemia syndrome. Treatment with EPO has shown promise in such patients. The paper reviews a case of a successful recovery of cardiac function in a patient with a severe CHF during the treatment with EPO.