Curative effect evaluation of erythrocyte separation in the treatment of patients with polycythemia vera

Objective To observe the curative effect of erythrocyte separation in the treatment of patients with polycythemia vera (PV). Methods Sixty-five patients with PV were selected, and the patients were divided into control group (20 cases) and observation group (45 cases) according to the treatment method. All patients of 2 groups were treated with oral hydroxyurea and intramuscular interferon, but the patients of observation group combined with erythrocyte separation. The hemoglobin and hematocrit (HCT) before and after treatment and untoward reaction were compared between 2 groups. Results There were no statistical differences in hemoglobin and HCT before treatment between 2 groups: (196 ± 17) g/L vs. (182 ± 23) g/L and 0.606 ± 0.049 vs. 0.578 ± 0.066, P >0.05. The hemoglobin and HCT levels after treatment in observation group were significantly lower than those in control group: (153 ± 27) g/L vs. (168 ± 14) g/L and 0.490 ± 0.050 vs. 0.539 ± 0.054, and there were statistical differences (P <0.05). There was no obvious untoward reaction in 2 groups. Conclusions Erythrocyte separation is one of first choices for PV. It is safe and effective, and has less obvious untoward reaction. Key words: Polycythemia vera; Comparative effectiveness research; Erythrocyte separation