The use of blood conservation methods in addition to erythropoietin allows myeloablative allogeneic stem cell transplantation without the use of blood products.

摘要

Allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (AHSCT) in Jehovah's Witness patients is a challenging procedure1-3 because they do not accept transfusion of any blood products, as prohibited by their religious beliefs. Several supportive methods have been employed to limit the life-threatening anemia in these patients, like the use of recombinant human erythropoietin (rHuEpo) prior to conditioning chemotherapy in an attempt to raise the hemoglobin (Hgb) and hematocrit (HCT) levels3 or the use of blood conservation methods to minimize blood loss. Both techniques have been used in autologous transplantation4 but experience with allogeneic stem cell transplantation is very limited.