[The efficacy of an erythropoietin-calcitriol combination in patients with chronic kidney failure on programmed hemodialysis].
In 8 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) on hemodialysis combined therapy (erythropoietin+calcitriol) effect was evaluated versus control group of 9 hemodialysis patients on erythropoietin monotherapy. In patients on the combined regimen the antianemic effect occurred sooner, this effect of calcitriol coming prior to correction of uremic defects in phosphoric-calcium metabolism. Calcitriol mechanisms of action in renal anemia and benefits of potential calcitriol+erythropoietin combination use in CRF patients suffering from uremic osteodystrophy, hypercatabolic conditions, uremic hypogonadism and infection complications are discussed.