Resistance to recombinant human erythropoietin due to aluminium overload and its reversal by low dose desferrioxamine therapy. Issue 808 (February 1993)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Yaqoob, M.; Ahmad, R.; McClelland, P.; Shivakumar, K. A.; Sallomi, D. F.; Fahal, I. H.; Roberts, N. B.; Helliwell, T.
• Is Part Of: Postgraduate medical journal. Volume 69:Issue 808(1993)
• Page Start: 124
• Page End: 128
• Publication Date: 1993-02
• Subjects: Medicine -- Periodicals; 610
• DOI: 10.1136/pgmj.69.808.124
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0032-5473

Abstract

Abstract : Seventeen severely anaemic and transfusion-dependent haemodialysis patients with a haemoglobin less than 7 g/dl were treated with recombinant human erythropoietin (r-Hu-EPO). Aluminium toxicity was diagnosed by a positive desferrioxamine (DFO) test and bone biopsy. Seven out of eight patients without aluminium toxicity responded to r-Hu-EPO therapy. Similarly all patients with aluminium toxicity (n = 4) but pre-treated with standard dose of DFO prior to r-Hu-EPO therapy responded but none of the patients with untreated aluminium toxicity (n = 5) responded to r-Hu-EPO therapy. In order to achieve adequate response in these patients, r-Hu-EPO and DFO had to be given in combination. The dose of desferrioxamine used to reverse r-Hu-EPO resistance was less and also used for a short time. We therefore confirm r-Hu-EPO resistance owing to aluminium overload and report its successful and safe reversal with low dose DFO therapy.