Abstract: Objective To investigate Valsartan on the effect of erythropoietin (EPO) in the treatment of maintenance hemodialysis patients with anemia. Methods A total of 55 patients undergoing hemodialysis with stable clinical conditions and a hemoglobin level of 70-100g/L were enrolled in this study. They were assigned into 4 groups. Patients in groups A (n=20) and B (n=20) received EPO therapy, and those in groups C (n=8) and D (n=7) without the EPO therapy. In addition, patients in groups A and C were treated with Valsartan, and those in groups B and D with Amlodipine. Hb, hematocrit (Hct), and EPO levels were measured before and after the therapy. Results In groups A, B and D, no significant differences were found in the average Hb, Hct and EPO levels before and after the treatment for 6 months. In group C, however, Hb and EPO levels were significantly decreased after the treatment for 6 months. In group A, the decrease of Hb after the treatment was found in the 11 patients receiving higher dose of Valsartan. Conclusions Valsartan may cause the inhibition of endogenous EPO in hemodialysis patients. Lower dose of Valsartan does not alter the effect of exogenous EPO, but higher dose of Valsartan reduces the therapeutic effect of exogenous EPO in hemodialysis patients with anemia.

Key words: Erythropoietin, Hemodialysis, Anemia