Erythropoietin: role in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis revisited

Abstract

Background Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is the most common form of interstitial lung disease. Anemia is a common finding in patients with IPF. The role of erythropoietin (EPO) in IPF-related anemia is rarely discussed. The present study aimed to determine EPO levels in patients with IPF and its relation to various clinical parameters. Patients and methods This prospective study was conducted on 45 patients with IPF and 45 healthy nonanemic controls. Included patients were subjected to careful history taking, thorough clinical examination, and pulmonary function testing. Investigations included C-reactive protein (CRP), serum electrolytes, blood gases, and serum EPO. Results The present study included 45 patients with IPF. They comprised 31 (68.9%) females and 14 (31.1%) males. Among the studied patients, there were 17 anemic patients. Anemic patients had significantly lower forced expiratory volume first second, higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and higher CRP levels. Patients have significantly higher EPO levels when compared with controls. There was a significant inverse correlation between EPO and forced expiratory volume first second in all patients. In addition, there was a significant direct correlation between EPO and CRP levels. Conclusion Anemia is prevalent in patients with IPF. In those patients, EPO levels are elevated but EPO response remains poor. EPO levels are directly correlated with CRP levels.

Keywords

• erythropoietin
• idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis
• interstitial lung diseases
• interstitial pulmonary fibrosis