The administration of polymerized human hemoglobin (Pyridoxylated) to a Jehovah's Witness after submyeloablative stem cell transplantation complicated by delayed graft failure.

Publication/Presentation Date

1-1-2006

Abstract

A 55-yr-old woman with a history of B-cell lymphoma of the nasopharynx diagnosed in March 1999 eventually underwent submyeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation from a sibling donor in December 2002 after conventional treatment options were exhausted. The treatment approach was somewhat altered by the fact that the patient was a practicing Jehovah's Witness and refused blood-blood product transfusion. The course of her treatment was unremarkable until around day 100 posttransplant when she developed graft failure, leading to severe anemia. Blood transfusions were refused. Donor cells were re-infused. During this treatment period, the patient's hemoglobin dropped to a low of 2.7 g/dL, with the patient experiencing severe fatigue, dyspnea on exertion, headaches, and blurred vision. Polymerized human hemoglobin (pyridoxylated) (Poly- Heme, Northfield Laboratories Inc., Evanston, IL) was given under an emergency, compassionate use protocol and successfully bridged the patient's hemoglobin and relieved symptoms during her marrow recovery period.

Volume

32

Issue

3

First Page

172

Last Page

175

ISSN

0098-8243

Disciplines

Medicine and Health Sciences

PubMedID

17435270

Department(s)

Department of Medicine, Hematology-Medical Oncology Division

Document Type

Article

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