Ketanserin: a new perspective in posttransplant erythrocytosis?
We have recently shown that ketanserin, an antagonist of peripheral serotonin 5-HT2 receptors lowers blood erythropoietin (Epo) levels in some chronic hemodialysis patients. Based on this finding, a preliminary study was undertaken to investigate the effect of a 3-week oral ketanserin administration on serum Epo concentration and relevant hematological parameters in 4 renal allograft recipients with posttransplant erythrocytosis (PTE). We found a marked decrease in Epo concentrations following ketanserin administration, from 48% to 76% of the abnormally elevated pretreatment values with subsequent increases at 3 weeks after discontinuation of the drug in all patients studied. In 3 of them a corresponding decrease or no rise in the erythrocyte count were noted. During the 6-week study period, the need for monthly phlebotomies was eliminated in these patients. It is hypothesized that ketanserin diminishes erythropoietin synthesis and may become a new drug in the treatment of posttransplant erythrocytosis.
Borawski
J
J
Department of Nephrology, Bialystok Medical School, Poland.
Mazerska
M
M
Rydzewski
A
A
Pawlak
K
K
Rowinski
M
M
Mysliwiec
M
M
D000328:Adult; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000097:blood*; D006801:Humans; D007650:Ketanserin / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016030:Kidney Transplantation; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011086:Polycythemia / Q000188:drug therapy*; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012702:Serotonin Antagonists / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D014184:Transplantation, Homologous
D012702:Serotonin Antagonists; D004921:Erythropoietin; D007650:Ketanserin