NoBlood

A 48 year-old female with diabetes and end-stage renal failure has been on dialysis and erythropoietin (10,000 units 3 times/week). Additionally, she has hyperparathyroidism and was booked for a parathyroidectomy. However, five days out from surgery she had a fall at home and has ruptured her right quadricepts tendon. Her hemoglobin fell at first to 8 g/dL and subsequently to 6.5 g/dL. Surgery was cancelled and the kneee was put in a brace. She really needs the parathyroid AND the knee operated on but surgeons say her hb is too low. A renal consultant said increasing the dose of EPO will not do any good because the elevated levels of calcium in her blood will inhibit RBC production. Does anyone know of any information that can help in this case?