title: Recombinant human erythropoietin in the treatment of myelodysplastic syndromes. An interim report.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  It has recently been demonstrated that erythropoietin increases hemoglobin levels in anemia secondary to chronic renal failure. Some recent experiences have suggested a possible role in the treatment of anemia in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS).
  
  
  RESULTS
  From April, 1990 to March, 1991, 16 patients (11 males and 5 females, median age 58.5 years) affected by low-risk myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) to ameliorate Hb levels and reduce transfusional requirement. All patients received high doses of rHuEPO (400 U/Kg s.c. twice weekly for 3 months). A partial response, defined as a stable increase in Hb levels > 1g/dL and/or a reduction in transfusional need > 50% lasting at least 3 months, was achieved by 5/16 patients. Those who responded received an additional course of treatment with rHuEPO at an increased dosage (600 U/Kg twice weekly for 3 months), and one of these five showed a progressive rise in Hb level up to normalization, while the other 4 remained stable. The treatment was well tolerated and no adverse reactions were observed.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  These results suggest that some patients with MDS may benefit from rHuEPO treatment.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Biopatologia Umana, Università La Sapienza, Roma, Italy.
authors.forename: M A
authors.initials: MA
authors.lastname: Aloe Spiriti
authors.forename: M C
authors.initials: MC
authors.lastname: Petti
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Latagliata
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Avvisati
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: De Gregoris
authors.forename: S
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Proia
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Fazi
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Jaalouk
authors.forename: M
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Mancini
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Spadea
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001772:Blood Cell Count; D001803:Blood Transfusion; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D004341:Drug Evaluation; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009190:Myelodysplastic Syndromes / Q000097:blood / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000628:therapy; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000627:therapeutic use; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D006454:Hemoglobins; D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin