Enythrocytapheresis with recombinant human erythropoietin in hereditary hemochromatosis therapy: A new alternative

Background and Objectives: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the tolerance, efficacy and safety of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (EA) in no nanemic patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), and to assess the us efulness of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) associated with EA to reduce treatment duration. Materials and Methods: in 10 asymptomatic patients with serum ferritin >400 mu g/l, transferrin saturation >50%, and GPT elevation, EA with rHuEPO and folic acid was performed. Results: Red cell indices, serum ferritin, and other iron metabolism parame ters (serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation); GPT and other l aboratory data were considerably improved. Conclusion: This method offers better results in less time than traditional phlebotomy, EA with rHuEPO is an effective therapeutic alternative for pat ients with HH. Copyright (C) 2000 S. Karger AG, Basel.