What causes decreased erythropoietin production?
The production of erythropoietin is reduced in certain conditions such as kidney failure, chronic diseases like HIV/AIDS, and certain cancers and in chronic inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis.
How is PRCA treated?
PRCA caused by viruses (especially B19 parvovirus) is treated with immunoglobulin infusions. Thymoma-associated PCRA has to be treated with surgical removal of the thymoma. There is a significant relapse rate after immunosuppressive therapy, but treatments can be repeated.
What is pure red cell?
What is pure red cell aplasia (PRCA)? Pure red cell aplasia (PRCA) is a rare disorder of blood production in which the bone marrow, the spongy tissue in the center of the bones, fails to function in an adequate manner resulting in anemia. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to the entire body.
What triggers erythropoietin to produce new red blood cells?
Red blood cell (RBC) production (erythropoiesis) takes place in the bone marrow under the control of the hormone erythropoietin (EPO). Juxtaglomerular cells in the kidney produce erythropoietin in response to decreased oxygen delivery (as in anemia and hypoxia) or increased levels of androgens.
How can I increase my erythropoietin levels naturally?
EPO accumulator Athletes tested at Northwestern State University scored a 65% increase in naturally occurring EPO after taking echinacea supplements for 14 days. Self-massaging the area around the kidneys stimulates the adrenal glands and encourages blood flow to produce more EPO.
How is PRCA diagnosed?
The diagnosis of PRCA is based on the absence or near absence of erythroblasts from an otherwise normal marrow (<1% erythroblasts on the marrow differential count). In some cases, a few proerythroblasts and/or basophilic erythroblasts are seen, not exceeding 5% of the differential count.
What is pure red cell aplasia (PRA)?
Pure red cell aplasia in patients who are treated for anemia of chronic kidney disease with erythropoiesis-stimulating agents such as epoetin was first reported in 1998.
What causes epoetin-induced pure red cell aplasia (RCA)?
The mechanism for development of epoetin-induced pure red cell aplasia remains unconfirmed. It generally occurs after the production of neutralizing anti-erythropoietin antibodies.
What are the treatment options for red cell aplasia (RCA)?
If pure red cell aplasia is confirmed, then cessation of erythropoiesis-stimulating agent therapy and initiation of immunosuppressive therapy are recommended.
What is PRCA anemia?
PRCA is a rare hematologic disorder characterized by progressive, severe, normocytic, normochromic anemia of sudden onset; reticulocytopenia; and a striking, almost complete absence of erythroid precursor cells in the bone marrow ( Table 1) ( 9 ).