A clinical analysis of erythrocytapheresis for the treatment of polycythemia

Abstract 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 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.