Hematopoietic effect of Radix angelicae sinensis in a hemodialysis patient

The primary cause of anemia of chronic renal failure (CRF) is insufficient production of erythropoietin by the diseased kidneys, Although most patients receiving hemodialysis (HD) respond to recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) treatment, 4% prove to be rHuEPO resistant. The patient presented in this case study suffered from anemia of CRF that was resistant to rHuEPO therapy. He experienced marked improvement in the anemia after self-initiating regular consumption of the Chinese herb Dang qui (botanical name: Radix angelicae sinensis), The significant hematologic amelioration occurred in the face of a major decrease in the amount of rHuEPO administered. The causes and mechanisms of inadequate response to rHuEPO, as well as the possible beneficial hematopoietic effects of this herbal preparation, are discussed. (C) 1999 by the National Kidney Foundation, Inc.