Study of erythropoiesis with 59Fe and erythrocyte survival with 51Cr in aplastic anemia

A study of erythropoiesis with 59Fe and erythrocyte survival with 51Cr was carried out in 25 patients with aplastic anemia and in a control group of 23 healthy persons. Bone marrow aplasia was uniform in all patients but differences in erythropoiesis were established. According to the state of erythropoiesis, the patients were divided into two groups: 1) patients with severe damage of erythropoiesis and 2) patients with preserved erythropoiesis. Erythrocyte survival in both groups was shortened. The data obtained correlate with the anemic syndrome and help to explain its pathogenesis. It is suggested that the investigation of erythropoiesis with 59Fe and 51Cr is of prognostic value. (author)