Efficacy of rhEPO in anaemic pregnant woman with different heterozygous haemoglobinopathies

Background and Objectives.

The objective of this study is to determine the efficacy of rhEPO in anaemic pregnant women with heterozygous forms of haemoglobinopathy.

Design and Methods.

During 2002–2004 19 anaemic pregnant women with different heterozygous haemoglobinopathies were prospectively observed and treated in anaemia consultation hours. RhEPO was given intravenously twice per week with intravenous iron saccharat and the response to the therapy was examined. We determined and compared the mean level of Hb, RBC, HCT, MCV, MCH as well as the level of ferritin, transferrin saturation, serum EPO, microcytic and hypochromic erythrocytes before and after therapy among the patients.

Results.

All the patients showed stimulation of erythropoiesis as evidenced by an increase in Hb, RBC and HCT. Out of 19 anaemic pregnant patients with heterozygous haemoglobinopathies, 13 patients (68.4%) showed a good response to therapy (the increase of Hb >1g/dl after therapy). In 6 patients a rapid response to therapy was observed, namely in three patients the increase of Hb >0.8g/dl after 10,000 U and in three patients Hb increase >1.0g/dl after 3×10,000 U of rhEPO. In 6 patients despite a high dose of administered rhEPO, resistance to rhEPO was observed.