Abstract

AMARU, Ricardo et al. TREATMENT OF SECONDARY ERYTHROCYTOSIS AT HIGH ALTITUDE. Rev. Méd. La Paz [online]. 2020, vol.26, n.2, pp.16-23. ISSN 1726-8958.

Introduction: Secondary Erythrocytosis (SE) is characterized by increased serum erythropoietin and complications such as thrombotic events, Systemic Arterial Hypertension and Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension. Its etiology is related to COPD or obesity and represents the most frequent erythrocytosis (90%) at high altitude. The basis pharmacological treatment entails atorvastatin and aspirin. Objective: to describe the results of administrating atorvastatin and aspirin for treating secondary erythrocytosis associated with COPD or obesity. Material and method: Longitudinal prospective study that included 101 patients with SE (SE associated with COPD = 25, SE associated with obesity = 76) residing at high altitude (La Paz 3650 m, El Alto 4000 m). Clinical and laboratory studies were carried out. The treatment involved two phases: therapeutic phlebotomies and then treatment with 20 mg of Atorvastatin daily by mouth and 100 mg of ASA daily by mouth. The response to treatment was evaluated after 2-years follow-up. Results: The treatment achieved a favorable response 80% in patients with SE associated to COPD (Complete Remission 44%, Partial Remission 36%), and 53% in patients with SE associated to Obesity (Complete Remission 30%, Partial Remission 23%) as well as a higher benefit in those with Class I (53%) and Class II obesity (60%). Conclusion: Treatment with atorvastatin and aspirin is more beneficial in patients with SE to COPD than patients with SE to Obesity. The inclusion of other drugs and weight loss measures is necessary to improve treatment results.

Keywords : secondary erythrocytosis; treatment; atorvastatin; aspirin.

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