OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is evidenced by erythropoietic masses, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to overcome hypoxia during chronic anemia. EMH masses in spinal cord could lead to cord compression and neurological symptoms. Besides transfusion, radiotherapy, and surgery, hydroxyurea (HU) is also a treatment strategy in EMH. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We described four cases of beta thalassemia with EMH who were treated with HU as a monotherapy. INTERVENTION (AND TECHNIQUE): HU therapy was done in all patients without any transfusion during therapy. CONCLUSION: HU is a good treatment option for patients with EMH and it could be a substitute for radiotherapy and invasive surgery or regular blood transfusion.
OBJECTIVE AND IMPORTANCE: Extramedullary hematopoiesis (EMH) is evidenced by erythropoietic masses, which occurs as a compensatory mechanism to overcome hypoxia during chronic anemia. EMH masses in spinal cord could lead to cord compression and neurological symptoms. Besides transfusion, radiotherapy, and surgery, hydroxyurea (HU) is also a treatment strategy in EMH. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: We described four cases of beta thalassemia with EMH who were treated with HU as a monotherapy. INTERVENTION (AND TECHNIQUE): HU therapy was done in all patients without any transfusion during therapy. CONCLUSION:HU is a good treatment option for patients with EMH and it could be a substitute for radiotherapy and invasive surgery or regular blood transfusion.
Authors: Van T La; Michael Diatte; Johnathan Gaston; Dallas Dick; Raed Sweiss; Zahra Pakbaz Journal: J Community Hosp Intern Med Perspect Date: 2018-08-23