Malignant Lymphoproliferative Disorders with Anemia: Changes of Quality of Life in Patients Treated with Donor Red Blood Cell Transfusions and Recombinant Erythropoietin

Aim. To evaluate the quality of life of anemic patients with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders after red blood cells transfusion and administration of human recombinant erythropoietin agents. Methods. The efficacy was assessed based on evaluation of clinical data, lab test findings and quality of life (QoL) parameters using the FACT-An questionnaire. Red blood cells transfusions (RBCsT) were prescribed to anemic patients with malignant lymphoproliferative disorders (LPD) (n = 54) with initial Hb levels of 7.0 ± 0.16 g/dl. After red blood cells transfusion (Me = 3 Units) the Hb level increased up to 9.31 ± 0.12 g/dl. Human recombinant erythropoietin agents (EPO) were prescribed to LPD patients (n = 77) with initial Hb levels of 8.84 ± 0.14 g/dl. Results. A positive response with a ³ 2.0 g/dl increase of Hb levels was observed in 52 (67.5 %) of 77 patients. The Hb level in responsive patients increased up to 12.31 ± 0.24 g/dl. Statistically significant QoL changes were observe according to «Physical well-being», «Emotional well-being», «Functional well-being», and «Anemia» scales. After EPO-therapy, significant changes were found according to «Physical well-being» and «Anemia» scales. A comparative analysis of QoL in both groups of patients demonstrated maximum changes according to the «Physical well-being» scale (from 12.9 ± 0.7 to 11.0 ± 0.8 points after RBCsT, p