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The administration of polymerized human hemoglobin (pyridoxylated) to a jehovah's witness after submyeloablative stem cell transplantation complicated by delayed graft failure

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Comprehensive Therapy

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 some-what 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.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Cardinal Bernardin Cancer Center, Lyola University Medical Center, 2160 South First Avenue, 60153, Maywood, IL

    Scott E. Smith MD, PhD, Amir Toor, Tulio Rodriguez & Patrick Stiff

Authors
  1. Scott E. Smith MD, PhD
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  2. Amir Toor
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  3. Tulio Rodriguez
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  4. Patrick Stiff
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Corresponding author

Correspondence to Scott E. Smith MD, PhD.

Additional information

The authors have stated that they do not have a significant financial interest or other relationship with any product manufacturer or provider of services discussed in this article. The authors do not discuss the use of off-label products, which includes unlabeled, unapproved, or investigative products or devices.

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Smith, S.E., Toor, A., Rodriguez, T. et al. The administration of polymerized human hemoglobin (pyridoxylated) to a jehovah's witness after submyeloablative stem cell transplantation complicated by delayed graft failure. Compr Ther 32, 172–175 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s12019-006-0008-3

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12019-006-0008-3

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