Erythrocytapheresis with recombinant human erythropoietin in hereditary hemochromatosis therapy: a new alternative.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES: The purposes of this study were to evaluate the tolerance, efficacy and safety of isovolemic erythrocytapheresis (EA) in nonanemic patients with hereditary hemochromatosis (HH), and to assess the usefulness of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEPO) associated with EA to reduce treatment duration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: In 10 asymptomatic patients with serum ferritin >400 microg/l, transferrin saturation >50%, and GPT elevation, EA with rHuEPO and folic acid was performed.

RESULTS: Red cell indices, serum ferritin, and other iron metabolism parameters (serum iron, transferrin, and transferrin saturation); GPT and other laboratory data were considerably improved.

CONCLUSION: This method offers better results in less time than traditional phlebotomy. EA with rHuEPO is an effective therapeutic alternative for patients with HH.