Blunted Serum Erythropoietin Response to Anemia in Patients Polytransfused for Beta-Thalassemia Major
Resource
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY v.20 n.2 pp.140-144
Journal
JOURNAL OF PEDIATRIC HEMATOLOGY/ONCOLOGY
Journal Volume
v.20
Journal Issue
n.2
Pages
140-144
Date Issued
1998
Date
1998
Author(s)
LIN, KAI-HSIN
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the response of erythropoietin (EPO) to anemia in patients polytransfused for beta-thalassemia major.Patients and Methods: We measured the serum EPO levels and the concurrent hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations in 40 patients polytransfused for beta-thalassemia major, in 18 patients with iron deficiency anemia (IDA), and 32 healthy subjects. Serum EPO levels were assayed by an enzyme immunoassay.Results: in both groups with beta-thalassemia major and IDA, serum EPO levels were significantly elevated( 114 +/- 71 and 239 +/- 217 mU/mL, respectively). There was a significant inverse correlation between log EPO values and Hb concentrations in patients with beta-thalassemia major ( r = 0.61; p <0.01 ) and IDA (r = 0.81; p <0.01). In a semilogarithmic plot, the slope of the regression line obtained in patients with beta-thalassemia major was significantly lower than that of LDA (p <0.01), suggesting a blunted EPO response to anemia in patients polytransfused for beta-thalassemia major. The elevation of serum EPO in patients with beta-thalassemia major was poorly related to clinical Variables except serum ferritin.Conclusions: We conclude that a significant inverse relationship between serum EPO levels and Hb concentration exists in patients with beta-thalassemia major. However, this EPO response in patients with anemia caused by beta- thalassemia major may be blunted when compared to patients with IDA.
Type
journal article