Abnormal Circulating Erythropoietin Concentration C5826395
Abnormal erythropoietin hormone levels affecting red blood cell production. It can cause anemia or excess red blood cells. Treatment depends on whether levels are too high or too low.
Key facts at a glance
- ICD-10
- D64.9
- ICD-11
- 3A00.0
- Body system
- hematologic
- Severity
- moderate
- Chronic
- true
Signs and symptoms
Common signs and symptoms that may indicate this condition.
Warning signs - seek immediate care
Chest pain
Pain or discomfort in the chest area that may indicate heart strain or reduced oxygen supply to heart muscles.
Seek immediate medical attention if chest pain is severe, radiating, or accompanied by shortness of breath, sweating, or nausea.
Fatigue and weakness
(constitutional)Persistent tiredness and lack of energy due to reduced oxygen-carrying capacity from abnormal red blood cell production.
Frequency: 70-90% of patients
Shortness of breath
(respiratory)Difficulty breathing or breathlessness, especially during physical activity, caused by inadequate oxygen delivery to tissues.
Frequency: 60-80% of patients
Dizziness
(neurologic)Feeling lightheaded, unsteady, or faint, often worsening when standing up quickly.
Frequency: 50-70% of patients
Abnormal skin coloration
(dermatologic)Unusually pale skin (with low EPO) or ruddy, reddish complexion (with high EPO) due to changes in red blood cell count.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Headache
(neurologic)Persistent or recurrent headaches, often due to altered blood viscosity or oxygen deprivation to brain tissues.
Frequency: 30-50% of patients
Heart palpitations
(cardiovascular)Awareness of rapid, forceful, or irregular heartbeat as the heart works harder to compensate for oxygen deficiency.
Frequency: 30-50% of patients
High blood pressure
(cardiovascular)Elevated blood pressure, particularly associated with elevated erythropoietin levels causing increased blood viscosity.
Frequency: 40-60% of patients
Nausea or loss of appetite
(gastrointestinal)Feeling sick to the stomach or reduced desire to eat, which may accompany the metabolic effects of abnormal EPO levels.
Frequency: 15-25% of patients
Difficulty concentrating
(neurologic)Mental fog, trouble focusing, or reduced cognitive function due to chronic oxygen deprivation to brain tissues.
Frequency: 5-15% of patients
Diagnosis and tests
How this condition is diagnosed and what test results mean.
Initial screening tests
Standard diagnostic workup
Positive result: Diagnostic criteria should be determined by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Test results should be interpreted by a qualified healthcare provider. [Content pending medical review.]
Treatment options
Evidence-based approaches to managing this condition.
First-line treatments
Behavioral and nutritional therapy
Treatment options should be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider.
Erythropoietin level monitoring
Regular blood testing to track erythropoietin concentrations and hemoglobin levels over time to identify patterns and underlying causes.
Erythropoiesis-stimulating agents
Pharmacological agents that stimulate bone marrow red blood cell production when EPO deficiency is confirmed through diagnostic testing.
Additional treatment options
Iron supplementation and nutrition optimization
Adequate iron intake supports erythropoiesis; dietary optimization with iron-rich foods and supplements when deficient.
lifestyleTherapeutic phlebotomy
Blood removal procedure used when EPO levels are abnormally high causing polycythemia, reducing blood viscosity and cardiovascular risk.
procedureFolate and B12 optimization
Ensuring adequate folate and vitamin B12 intake supports red blood cell maturation and normalizes hematopoiesis function.
dietaryWhen to seek medical help
Recognize when you need immediate medical attention.
Schedule an appointment soon
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this topic.
What is Abnormal Circulating Erythropoietin Concentration C5826395?
Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized medical information about this condition. [Content pending medical review.]
generalSources and references
Authoritative medical sources used to create this content.
KDIGO Clinical Practice Workgroup. KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Anemia in Chronic Kidney Disease. Kidney International Supplements. 2012;2(4):279-335.
World Health Organization. Haemoglobin concentrations for the diagnosis of anaemia and assessment of severity. Geneva: WHO; 2011.
Barbui T, Tefferi A, Vannucchi AM, et al. Philadelphia chromosome-negative classical myeloproliferative neoplasms: revised ELN recommendations. Leukemia. 2018;32(5):1057-1069.
Jelkmann W. Erythropoietin: structure, control of production, and function. Physiological Reviews. 1992;72(2):449-489.
Krantz SB. Erythropoietin. Blood. 1991;77(3):419-434.
Bennett CL, Cournoyer D, Carson KR, et al. Erythropoiesis-stimulating agent use in cancer: pre-approval practices, documentation, and disclosure. Journal of Clinical Oncology. 2009;27(25):e8-e14.
Drüeke TB, Locatelli F, Clyne N, et al. Normalization of hemoglobin level in patients with chronic kidney disease and anemia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2006;355(20):2071-2084.
Hoffbrand AV, Higgs DR, Keeling DM, Mehta AB. Postgraduate Haematology. 7th ed. Wiley-Blackwell; 2016.
American Society of Hematology. Clinical Practice Guidelines: Anemia. 2020.
Cairo MS, Bishop M. Reaching consensus on diagnosis and treatment of abnormal erythropoietin levels: international panel recommendations. British Journal of Haematology. 2005;131(5):600-609.
Medication Comparisons
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Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed August 20, 2026. · Read our editorial policy