Abstract
OBJECTIVE: Production of fetal proteins by malignant tissue is a recognized phenomenon seen in many neoplastic disorders. Hence, the aim was to determine if there is a positive correlation between administration of chemotherapy and reduction in fetal hemoglobin (HbF) levels.
METHODS: In a prospective study at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, 50 cancer patients at various stages of the disease and 50 controls for 10 months period (March to December, 2005), HbF was determined in pre- chemotherapy (n=23) and post-chemotherapy (n=27) cancer patients. Fetal hemoglobin was estimated by the modified Betke's method.
RESULTS: A total of 20 patients (40%) comprising 10 pre-chemotherapy and 10 post-chemotherapy patients presented with increased HbF which was statistically significant (p<0.0001). There was also a significant decrease in post- chemotherapy result when both pre and post-chemotherapy values were compared (p=0.0073).
CONCLUSION: The results presented indicate that during recovery of erythropoiesis some erythroblasts synthesized HbF and there was a reduction following administration of chemotherapy.
- Copyright: © Saudi Medical Journal
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