USMLE (United States Medical Licensing Examination) Step 1 Practice Exam

What is the typical consequence of decreased Erythropoietin (EPO) production?

1. Increased platelets count

2. Polycythemia Vera

3. Anemia of Chronic Disease

4. Decreased O2 saturation

The correct answer is: Anemia of Chronic Disease

Decreased erythropoietin (EPO) production typically leads to anemia, particularly in the context of chronic diseases. EPO is a hormone produced primarily by the kidneys in response to hypoxia, and it stimulates the bone marrow to produce red blood cells. When there is insufficient EPO, red blood cell production diminishes, resulting in a lower hemoglobin concentration and, consequently, anemia. Anemia of chronic disease is characterized by the body’s inability to produce adequate red blood cells despite the presence of normal iron stores, primarily due to the inflammatory conditions that lead to decreased production of EPO. This form of anemia is commonly seen in chronic infections, malignancies, or autoimmune diseases, where EPO production cannot keep pace with the body’s demand for red blood cells. Other options such as increased platelet count, polycythemia vera, and decreased O2 saturation do not result primarily from decreased EPO levels. Increased platelet count is typically seen in reactive states or conditions such as thrombocytosis, and polycythemia vera is a myeloproliferative disorder leading to increased red blood cells independent of EPO levels. Decreased O2 saturation is often a consequence of anemia and not a direct result of decreased EPO production