OBJECTIVE: To determine whether a correlation exists between hemoglobin levels and peritoneal mass transfer or drain volumes in continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) patients. DESIGN: Prospective study of two groups of CAPD patients, identified on the basis of their stable hemoglobin levels. Group A--hemoglobin less than 8.5 g/dL; Group B--hemoglobin greater than 10.5 g/dL. Peritoneal mass transfer and drain volumes were measured for each patient, after which a subgroup of Group A was treated with rHuEPO (forming Group C) and measurements repeated once hemoglobin had risen by at least 2.0 g/dL. SETTING: Single renal unit of a university teaching hospital. PATIENTS: Twenty-seven patients established on CAPD, selected according to their stable hemoglobin level. Group A--14 patients; Group B--13 patients; Group C (subgroup of A)--8 patients. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Difference between peritoneal mass transfer or drain volume in Group A versus Group B, and in Group C before and after rHuEPO therapy. Serum biochemical parameters in Group C before and after rHuEPO therapy. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences in any of the parameters measured were found between groups A and B, or before and after rHuEPO therapy in Group C. CONCLUSIONS: Peritoneal transfer of small solutes and water is not influenced by hemoglobin level, and does not change following otherwise effective treatment with rHuEPO.

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