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Pubmed for Handhelds
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Title: In hereditary hemochromatosis, red cell apheresis removes excess iron twice as fast as manual whole blood phlebotomy. Author: Muncunill J, Vaquer P, Galmés A, Obrador A, Parera M, Bargay J, Besalduch J. Journal: J Clin Apher; 2002; 17(2):88-92. PubMed ID: 12210712. Abstract: The current treatment of hereditary hemochromatosis (HH) consists of performing periodic manual whole blood phlebotomies. Erythroapheresis (EPH) is considered to be an alternative procedure if the classic treatment is contra-indicated. A prospective study of 13 consecutive cases of HH were included in a periodic EPH program with the aim of assessing the efficacy, feasibility, and tolerability of EPH in the treatment of HH by induction and maintenance. Iron depletion (ferritin <20 microg/l) was achieved in all patients after a mean of 6.7 +/- 2.9 months of treatment and a mean of 13.5 +/- 7.2 EPH sessions. The procedure was well tolerated and there were no complications. After a follow-up period of 10.5 +/- 6.6 months, only four patients have required further maintenance sessions beyond 6 months after completing the induction therapy. The efficacy, speed, tolerability, and more favorable schedule of an EPH program facilitate treatment of HH.[Abstract] [Full Text] [Related] [New Search]