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Abstract Measurement of erythropoietin levels is useful only for anemic patients with hemoglobin levels of less than 10 g per deciliter, since erythropoietin levels at higher hemoglobin concentrations remain well in the normal range. Furthermore, any interpretation of an erythropoietin level in anemia of chronic disease with a hemoglobin level less than 10 g per deciliter must take into account the degree of anemia. (117) Erythropoietin levels have been analyzed for their predictive value with respect to the response to treatment of anemia of chronic disease with erythropoietic agents. (117) After treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (epoetin) for two weeks, either a serum erythropoietin level of more than 100 U per liter or a ferritin level of more than 400 ng per milliliter predicts a lack of response in 88 percent of patients with cancer who are not receiving concomitant chemotherapy. (119) Rather, changes in hemoglobin levels or reticulocyte counts over time indicate a response to treatment with epoetin. (119) |