The authors introduce the subject with physiological comments regarding the ability of r-HuEP to stimulate erythropoietic bone marrow, underlining the need for other molecules to backup the therapy (vitamin B12, folic acid and iron). Subsequently, and in the light of this introduction, they outline the indications for r-HuEPO treatment in specialist fields and the relative contraindications. They then report the results obtained in a group of 24 patients with the relevant indications receiving subcutaneous treatment on alterate days with r-HuEPO in fials of 4000 IU/ml. Basal hemoglobin levels were 6-8 g and treatment was continued until levels of around 10-11 g were reached; tolerance was good in both gynecological and obstetric patients.