title: [Comparison between phlebotomy and erythrocytapheresis of iron overload in patients with HFE gene mutations].
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Large-volume erythrocytapheresis (EA) is an useful and speedy method to treat iron overload (IO). We assesed the efficacy of EA in patients with HFE gene mutations and IO compared to the classical phlebotomies.
  
  
  METHODS
  Data from 9 patients with IO treated with EA, using a discontinuous flow cell separator as a single needle procedure, for a period of 2 years, were compared to 9 matched patients who underwent conventional phlebotomies.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The mean volume of red blood cells removed in each EA was 275 ml, with a median reduction of 23 g/l for haemoglobin and 55 microg/l for serum ferritin levels (vs. 17 microg/l between phlebotomies). The liver function test returned to normal values in 4 out of 5 patients undergoing EA, but none of the phlebotomies. The time required to achieve iron depletion was 3 times shorter in EA group.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  EA is an effective and safe procedure that achieves iron depletion more quickly than manual phlebotomies. Nevertheless, to determine its cost-effectiveness, economical, prospective, randomized studies are warranted.
authors.affiliation: Servicio de Hematología y Hemoterapia, Hospital Miguel Servet, Zaragoza, España.
authors.forename: Nuria
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Fernández-Mosteirín
authors.forename: Carlos
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Salvador-Osuna
authors.forename: José Antonio
authors.initials: JA
authors.lastname: García-Erce
authors.forename: Elisa
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Orna
authors.forename: Gonzalo
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Pérez-Lungmus
authors.forename: Manuel
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Giralt
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D001781:Blood Component Removal / Q000379:methods; D004906:Erythrocyte Count; D017707:Erythrocyte Transfusion / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005293:Ferritins / Q000097:blood; D006432:Hemochromatosis / Q000150:complications / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D006801:Humans; D019190:Iron Overload / Q000097:blood / Q000235:genetics / Q000628:therapy*; D008297:Male; D008565:Membrane Proteins / Q000032:analysis / Q000235:genetics; D008875:Middle Aged; D009154:Mutation; D018962:Phlebotomy; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: C103673:HFE protein, human; D000071020:Hemochromatosis Protein; D015395:Histocompatibility Antigens Class I; D008565:Membrane Proteins; D005293:Ferritins