Therapeutic phlebotomy is the drawing of a unit of blood in specific medical conditions such as hemochromatosis, polycythemia vera and porphyria cutanea tarda, performed to reduce the number of red blood cells or the level of iron in the blood. For hereditary hemochromatosis, in which the body absorbs and stores excess iron, phlebotomy has become the mainstay treatment, offering a cost-effective way to deplete the iron overload. It is practiced by specifically trained practitioners in hospitals using modern techniques and is considered a relatively safe procedure, distinct from the indiscriminate bloodletting of premodern medicine, which was based on humoral theory rather than a specific measurable disease process and often caused infection, anemia or shock.
Facts
FAQs
How often is therapeutic phlebotomy done for hemochromatosis?
Usually a pint once or twice a week at first, then every 1 to 3 months and eventually 2 to 3 times a year.
The schedule depends on the person's iron levels. The National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases says doctors usually start by drawing a pint of blood once or twice a week for several months, with regular blood tests checking iron and ferritin. Once those levels return to normal, the sessions are reduced to once every 1 to 3 months and eventually to 2 to 3 times a year. The procedure is usually done in blood banks, much like routine blood donation.
Connections
Treats
Therapeutic phlebotomy is the standard first-line treatment for hereditary hemochromatosis.
Sources
1. Wikipedia
Wikipedia contributors, Wikimedia Foundation
Wikipedia: Bloodletting
Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodletting, lead sectionQuote, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloodletting, lead section
Bloodletting (or blood-letting) is the deliberate withdrawal of blood from a patient to prevent or cure illness and disease.
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