Erythropoietin treatment in allogeneic BMT accelerates erythroid reconstitution: results of a prospective controlled randomized trial.
Twenty-eight allogeneic BMT patients (16 with acute leukemia, 12 with chronic myeloid leukemia) were included in a single center, prospective, randomized, controlled trial to assess the value of recombinant human erythropoietin (rh-Epo) in this setting. rh-Epo was administered through a central venous catheter as a single bolus injection (days 0-7: 100 U/kg/d; days 7-30: 150 U/kg/d). No secondary effects to rh-Epo treatment were detected. An earlier appearance of reticulocytes and a diminished need of red blood cells (RBCs) transfusions were observed in patients who were treated with rh-Epo (4 units vs 12 units; p < 0.05). The time to unsupported platelets above 25 x 10(9)/l was less in patients treated with rh-Epo than in control patients (19 days vs 31; p < 0.05), and they received significantly fewer platelet transfusions (36 units vs 138.5; p < 0.05). Our results show that rh-Epo treatment is capable of accelerating the erythroid reconstitution and decreasing the need for RBC transfusions. A beneficial effect on platelet reconstitution is also suggested, but further studies are necessary to confirm this point.
Steegmann
J L
JL
Department of Hematology, Hospital de la Princesa, Madrid, Spain.
López
J
J
Otero
M J
MJ
Lamana
M L
ML
de la Cámara
R
R
Berberana
M
M
Díaz
A
A
Fernández-Rañada
J M
JM
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D016026:Bone Marrow Transplantation / Q000473:pathology; D003114:Colony-Forming Units Assay; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004920:Erythropoiesis / Q000187:drug effects*; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007938:Leukemia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D015466:Leukemia, Myeloid, Chronic-Phase / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000601:surgery; D008297:Male; D011446:Prospective Studies
D004921:Erythropoietin