High-dose recombinant human erythropoietin and low-dose corticosteroids for treatment of anemia in paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria.

Three patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and severe anemia were treated with high-dose recombinant human erythropoietin (rHEpo) and low-dose corticosteroids. During therapy their hemoglobin levels gradually improved and no blood transfusions were required. Neither rHEpo nor corticosteroids caused any side effects. This study shows that high rHEpo and low corticosteroid doses may improve the anemia of PNH patients.