SERUM ERYTHROPOIETIN IN CHRONIC LYMPHOCYTIC-LEUKEMIA

Anaemia is a frequent complication of advanced chronic lymphocytic leu kaemia (CLL) and several cytokines known to inhibit erythropoietin (Ep o) formation are produced by CLL B cells. Therefore we measured serum Epo levels in 47 CLL patients to determine whether Epo was a significa nt factor in the development of their anaemia, Epo levels were increas ed compared to normal individuals and this elevation appeared adequate for the degree of anaemia. The slope of the regression of Epo versus haemoglobin (Hb) was similar to that of a reference group. Serum trans ferrin receptor (sTfR) levels were also appropriately elevated for the degree of anaemia and correlated with serum Epo, Advanced stage was n ot associated with reduction of Epo production but diminished erythrop oietic activity was observed in several patients, The results indicate that anaemia in CLL is not characterized by inadequate Epo production .