Erythropoietin therapy obviates the need for recurrent transfusions in a patient with severe hemolysis due to prosthetic valves.

Erythropoietin has been proved extremely effective in ameliorating the anemia of chronic renal failure and is currently under intensive investigation. We describe a patient with severe anemia and secondary hemochromatosis due to prosthetic valves, who has been successfully treated with erythropoietin. During 12 months' follow-up, an acceptable hemoglobin level was maintained without any need for blood transfusions; in addition, there was evidence indicating regression of hemochromatosis. This patient illustrates that erythropoietin therapy might prove beneficial for similar cases.