Background: The purpose of this study is to evaluate the potential role of erythropoietin(EPO) in anemai of chronic infection or inflammation.
Method:
Anemia of chronic infection or inflammation, 33 cases from Yonsei Medical Center from September, 1993 to August, 1995 were compared with uncomplicated iron deficiency anemia(IDA) 32 cases with analyzing serum EPO levels.
Result:
1)Mean hemoglobin was higher in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation(10.6±0.9g/dL) than IDA(9.8±0.7g/dL)(P<0.05).
2)MCV value was higher in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation(88.6±7.6fL) than IDA(73.8±7.1fL)(P<0.05).
3)In anmia of chronic infection or inflammation, serum iron was 54.3±18.3μg/dL, TIBC 282.6±64.9μg/dL, iron saturation 15.9±4.6% and serum ferritin 403.4±179.5ng/mL. TIBC and serum ferritin were significantly different(P=0.0001 each) comparing with IDA (serum iron 44.8±28.7μg/dL, TIBC 421.1±70.3μg/dL, iron saturation 11.9±6.5%, serum ferritin 7.9±7.2ng/mL).
4)ESR was increased in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation(54.1±17.3mm/hr) than IDA(17.1±6.5mm/hr) with significance(P<0.05).
5)Serum EPO level was 18.9±9.0mU/mL in anemia of chronic or inflammation but 47.2±33.1mU/mL in IDA with significant difference(P<0.05).
6)The increments of serum EPO according to hemoglobin levels in anemia of chronic infection or inflammation was less than that of IDA and there was no correlation(r=-0.25).
Conclusion: In anemia of chronic infection or inflammation, the responses of serum EPO are inappropriately low and recombinant human EPO administration may be helpful to improve this type of anemia.

Keywords: Serum erythropoietin, Anemia, Chronic infection, Chronic inflammaion