EPO and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease: Even though COPD had in the past been commonly regarded as a determinant of polyglobulia rather than of anemia [2], it is currently thought that the latter condition occurs more frequently than expected (in 10-15% of severe COPD patients) [3], and it is presumed to be associated with ongoing inflammation, altered erythropoietin function, and poor marrow production [4].