title: Administration of high doses of recombinant human erythropoietin to patients with beta-thalassemia intermedia: a preliminary trial.
abstract: Four patients (1 male, 3 female, age range 16-56 yr) with beta-thalassemia intermedia were given high doses of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo), iron sulfate and folic acid in an attempt to improve their anemia. The dose schedule was: rHuEpo, 500 U/kg 3 times weekly, iron sulfate, 300 mg/d and folic acid, 5 mg/d. All patients were red blood cell transfusion-dependent. Hematological data and fetal hemoglobin (HbF) were assayed every 2 wk. XmnI polymorphism and beta-thalassemia mutations were identified by PCR. All patients showed a moderate to high increase in hemoglobin values (mean value: 2.5 g/dl) and in 1 patient HbF levels also increased; 3 patients became red blood cell transfusion-independent and 1 patient was able to extend the intervals between transfusions significantly. No side effects were observed during rHuEpo therapy.
authors.affiliation: Hematology Unit, Department of Internal Medicine, University of Ioannina Medical School, Greece.
authors.forename: K
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Bourantas
authors.forename: G
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Economou
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Georgiou
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D004921:Erythropoietin / Q000008:administration & dosage*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011994:Recombinant Proteins / Q000008:administration & dosage; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D017086:beta-Thalassemia / Q000188:drug therapy*
chemical_list: D011994:Recombinant Proteins; D004921:Erythropoietin