[Refractory anaemia successfully treated with thalidomide].
A 63-year-old male was admitted to our department in 2001 because of autoimmune haemolytic anaemia and splenomegaly. Bone marrow examination revealed an erythroid hyperplasia and a normal chromosome analysis. Splenectomy was performed in 2002, resulting in severe transfusion-dependent anaemia with a need for two blood transfusions each week. Treatment with prednisolone, erythropoietin and danocrine was without effect. A new bone marrow examination then showed myelodysplastic syndrome. Treatment with thalidomide, 50-150 mg/d, and prednisolone, 25 mg/d, resulted in an increase in haemoglobin to 8.9 mmol/l during the following months. The use of immunomodulatory and anti-angiogenetic agents in refractory anaemia needs more study.
Hillerød Sygehus, Medicinsk Afdeling F, Hillerød.
Marianne
M
Hansen
Per Boye
PB
Hansen
D000753:Anemia, Refractory / Q000188:drug therapy*; D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D004359:Drug Therapy, Combination; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000032:analysis; D006801:Humans; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011239:Prednisolone / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use; D013792:Thalidomide / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D016896:Treatment Outcome
D020533:Angiogenesis Inhibitors; D006454:Hemoglobins; D007166:Immunosuppressive Agents; D013792:Thalidomide; D011239:Prednisolone