Erythrapheresis compared with placebo apheresis in patients with polycythaemia secondary to hypoxic lung disease
Wedzicha, J.A.; Cotter, F.E.; Rudd, R.M.; Apps, M.C.; Newland, A.C.; Empey, D.W.
European Journal of Respiratory Diseases 65(8): 579-585
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0106-4339 PMID: 6519213 Document Number: 241283
The effects of erythrapheresis, a method of isovolemic hemodilution, and placebo apheresis were assessed in 10 patients with polycythemia secondary to chronic hypoxic lung disease (Mean PaO2 7.2 kPa (pascal), 54 mm hg). The mean packed cell volume decreased from 0.60 to 0.48, with significant decreases in blood viscosity at both high and low shear rates (P < 0.001). The 6-min walking distance improved after erythrapheresis with no significant placebo effect of the procedure compared to control subjects (P < 0.01). Erythrapheresis is a safe procedure for packed cell volume reduction. It is associated with clinical improvement and there is no demonstrable placebo effect on exercise tolerance.