Erythropoietin May Improve Anemia in Patients with Autoimmune Hemolytic Anemia Associated with Reticulocytopenia |
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| Authors: | Olga Arbach Robert Funck Frank Seibt Abdulgabar Salama |
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| Institution: | aInstitute for Transfusion Medicine, Universitätsmedizin Charité - Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Germany;bSt. Marien Amberg Clinic, Amberg, Germany;cPrivate Internal Medicine Practice, Berlin, Germany |
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| Abstract: | BackgroundManagement of patients with autoimmune hemolytic anemia (AIHA) and reticulocytopenia remains challenging.Case ReportsTwo patients with decompensated AIHA who were receiving immunosuppressive drugs were treated with erythropoietin (EPO). Administration of EPO increased reticulocyte counts and hemoglobin concentrations in both cases. One patient completely recovered following a short course of treatment. Hemolysis could be compensated in the second patient using only mild doses of immunosuppressive drugs in combination with EPO.ConclusionThe administration of EPO should be considered in patients with therapy-refractory AIHA, particularly in the presence of reticulocytopenia. |
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| Keywords: | Autoimmune hemolytic anaemia AIHA Reticulocytopenia Anemia Erythropoietin |
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