Erythropoietin therapy obviates the need for recurrent transfusions in a patient with severe hemolysis due to prosthetic valves.
Erythropoietin has been proved extremely effective in ameliorating the anemia of chronic renal failure and is currently under intensive investigation. We describe a patient with severe anemia and secondary hemochromatosis due to prosthetic valves, who has been successfully treated with erythropoietin. During 12 months' follow-up, an acceptable hemoglobin level was maintained without any need for blood transfusions; in addition, there was evidence indicating regression of hemochromatosis. This patient illustrates that erythropoietin therapy might prove beneficial for similar cases.
Kornowski
R
R
Department of Medicine T, Ichilov Hospital, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Israel.
Schwartz
D
D
Jaffe
A
A
Pines
A
A
Aderka
D
D
Levo
Y
Y
D000743:Anemia, Hemolytic / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D001021:Aortic Valve; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006350:Heart Valve Prosthesis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000209:etiology; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D008943:Mitral Valve
D004921:Erythropoietin