Ask The Expert: Question Archive

Question:
When, if ever, is it appropriate to check erythropoietin levels on a patient?

NAAC Expert Response:
By NAAC Hematologist John W. Adamson, MD.
I think that erythropoietin levels may be important in patients with unexplained polycythemia. In those with primary polycythemia, the levels would be in the low or low-normal range. In secondary polycythemia, the levels should be elevated most of the time, but it is not universal. In patients with certain kinds of anemia, a high level would suggest that the patient will not respond (or not be likely to respond) to exogenous erythropoietin. If the erythropoietin level is low, it is more likely that the patient would respond to erythropoietin treatment.