Pure red cell aplasia following peripheral stem cell transplantation: complete response to a short course of high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin.

We studied a patient who developed pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) following peripheral stem cell transplantation for non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Serum erythropoietin was appropriate for the degree of anemia. Corticosteroid treatment was ineffective. Four months after transplantation rHuEpo was administered subcutaneously at a dose of 150 U/Kg per day, five days a week for 8 weeks. Treatment induced an erythropoietic response and corrected anemia. Response was maintained following discontinuation of rHuEpo. This study and previous reports indicate that high doses of rHuEpo given over a short time can resolve PRCA following autologous or allogeneic stem cell transplantation.