A clinical analysis of erythrocytapheresis for the treatment of polycythemia

Purpose: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of erythrocytapheresis (ECP) in the treatment of polycythemia.

Methods: Patients diagnosed with polycythemia were included in this retrospective analysis and treated with ECP (n=20) or conventional treatments (exsanguination; n=20). Blood laboratory values and adverse effects were recorded.

Results: In ECP-treated patients mean red blood cell (RBC) collection time was 25.7±4.5min (range: 19-37min), with a mean collection volume of 773.5±129.3mL (range: 600-1002mL). From baseline, ECP reduced the mean number of RBCs (0.6×10(12)/L [7.6%]), mean hemoglobin (31.1g/L [14.8%]), and mean hematocrit (13.1% [20.2%]) (P<0.001 for each). After ECP, a marked reduction in symptoms associated with polycythemia was also observed.

Conclusions: Treatment of patients with polycythemia using ECP reduces RBC count, hemoglobin, and hematocrit. The advantages associated with ECP over conventional therapy should be considered when choosing a treatment plan for patients with polycythemia.