STIMULATION OF ERYTHROPOIESIS THROUGH REC OMBINANT-HUMAN-ERYTHROPOIETIN IN PATIENTS WITH LEFT-HEART ASSIST DEVICE AFTER POLYTRANSFUSION

We are demonstrating the possibility of stimulation of erythropoiesis through high-dose treatment with recombinant human erythropoietin (rhE PO) in two patients with dilated cardiomyopathy after implantation of left heart assist device and postoperative polytransfusion. Patient 1 presented a prompt elevation of packed cell volume (10 vol. %) within 10 days, due to the good availability of iron and to raising of humora l erythropoiesis inhibition by high-dose rhEPO. Because of CMV infecti on patient 2 had a delayed response, by reason of reduced iron availab ility at the beginning of the treatment. During the rhEPO therapy an i mprovement of physical well-being in both patients was noted. This exa mple describes the treatment of non-renal anemia with rhEPO and shows a possibility to diminish the postoperative homologous blood transfusi ons.