Erythrocytapheresis compared with whole blood phlebotomy for the treatment of hereditary haemochromatosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Hereditary haemochromatosis may result in severe organ damage which can be prevented by therapy. We studied the possible advantages and disadvantages of erythrocytapheresis as compared with phlebotomy in patients with hereditary haemochromatosis.

Materials and methods

In a prospective, randomised, open-label study, patients with hereditary haemochromatosis were randomised to bi-weekly apheresis or weekly whole blood phlebotomy. Primary end-points were decrease in ferritin levels and transferrin saturation. Secondary endpoints were decrease in haemoglobin levels, discomfort during the therapeutic procedure, costs and technicians' working time.

Results

Sixty-two patients were included. Thirty patients were randomised to apheresis and 32 to whole blood phlebot

SUBMITTER: Sundic T 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC3934269 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature