The effect of erythropoietin on blood parameters in thalassemia intermedia patients

Background: β-thalassemia is the most common hereditary disease in Iran, and more than 2 million carriers of β-thalassemia live in Iran. On the other hand, our country is located in the thalassemia belt, and no comprehensive study has been conducted regarding the effect of erythropoietin on blood parameters in thalassemia intermedia patients in our region. Therefore this study aimed to investigate the effect of erythropoietin on blood parameters of thalassemia intermedia patients. Materials and Methods: This prospective cross-sectional study was conducted on all patients suspected of thalassemia intermedia in Shahid Sadoughi hospital from March 2021 to M 2022.  In the case of diagnosis of microcytic anemia, an electrophoresis test was performed, and people diagnosed with thalassemia intermedia entered the study. Then patients were divided into two groups (the intervention and control groups). The erythropoietin dose was 50-100 units/ kilogram (body weight) three times a week for six months. The measurement of hematocrit and hemoglobin were done using CBC cell counter (Sysmex KX21). Other data were extracted from medical records. ResultL: In the current study, the mean age of patients in the intervention and control groups was 9.15±1.53 and 8.35± 6.90 years old, respectively (p=0.9). The mean hematocrit level in the intervention and control groups was 28.05± 4.06 and 23.45± 3.22 %, respectively (P<0.001). The mean hemoglobin level in the two groups was 9.15± 1.53 and 7.65± 1.23 g/dL respectively (p=0.002). The mean hematocrit level before and after the intervention was 25±3.71 and 28.05±4.06 %, respectively. The mean hemoglobin levels before and after therapy were 7.9±1.52 and 9.15±1.53 g/dL, respectively. Conclusion: According to the findings, hemoglobin and hematocrit increased in thalassemia intermedia patients taking erythropoietin. Therefore it seems that recombinant erythropoietin can be helpful in these patients.