Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi
Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Kampala International University, Kampala, Uganda.
Ann Med Surg (Lond). 2024 Jan 24;86(3):1570-1574. doi: 10.1097/MS9.0000000000001763. eCollection 2024 Mar.
Sickle cell anaemia (SCA) stands as a hereditary blood disorder characterized by mutated haemoglobin, causing red blood cells to adopt a sickle shape, leading to complications like vaso-occlusive crises, anaemia, and organ damage. Despite advancements in treatment, managing SCA remains challenging, with limited options to increase life expectancy and improve quality of life for affected individuals. This paper reviews the potential impact of erythropoietin (EPO) therapy in enhancing life expectancy and ameliorating complications in individuals with SCA. EPO, primarily recognized for its role in stimulating red blood cell production, holds promise in mitigating anaemia, reducing transfusion dependence, and possibly diminishing the frequency and severity of vaso-occlusive crises in SCA patients. Moreover, by stimulating red blood cell production, EPO therapy might alleviate the vaso-occlusive process, thus reducing the frequency of painful crises and associated complications. Additionally, considering the potential side effects and the need for continuous monitoring, the use of EPO in SCA treatment requires cautious consideration. The potential of EPO therapy in SCA offers a glimpse into novel strategies aimed at improving the quality of life and extending the life expectancy of affected individuals. In conclusion, while the application of EPO in SCA treatment holds promise, additional research is indispensable to comprehend its precise role, optimize dosing strategies, and ensure safety, thereby paving the way for enhanced life expectancy and improved outcomes for individuals living with SCA.
镰状细胞贫血(SCA)是一种遗传性血液疾病,其特征是血红蛋白发生突变,导致红细胞呈镰刀状,从而引发血管闭塞性危机、贫血和器官损伤等并发症。尽管治疗取得了进展,但管理SCA仍然具有挑战性,提高受影响个体的预期寿命和改善生活质量的选择有限。本文综述了促红细胞生成素(EPO)疗法对提高SCA患者预期寿命和改善并发症的潜在影响。EPO主要因其在刺激红细胞生成中的作用而被认可,有望减轻贫血、减少输血依赖,并可能降低SCA患者血管闭塞性危机的发生频率和严重程度。此外,通过刺激红细胞生成,EPO疗法可能减轻血管闭塞过程,从而减少疼痛性危机和相关并发症的发生频率。此外,考虑到潜在的副作用和持续监测的必要性,在SCA治疗中使用EPO需要谨慎考虑。EPO疗法在SCA中的潜力为旨在改善受影响个体生活质量和延长预期寿命的新策略提供了一个视角。总之,虽然EPO在SCA治疗中的应用有前景,但需要更多研究来理解其确切作用、优化给药策略并确保安全性,从而为提高SCA患者的预期寿命和改善治疗结果铺平道路。