Hematologic Studies in Patients Receiving Multiple Infusions of Lipomul I.V

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Abstract
Twelve consecutive daily infusions of 500 cc. of Lipomul I.V. were administered to fifteen patients with a variety of neoplastic diseases. Among many other things, hematologic studies were performed in an effort to explain the appearance of anemia. Fourteen of the fifteen patients demonstrated a drop in hematocrit, red blood cell count and hemoglobin. Of course, many patients had a mild anemia prior to the infusions. In all instances, the anemia was normocytic and normochromic, and associated only rarely with recticulocytosis. Red cell utilization of Fe59 was normal in most, as were bone marrows and fecal urobilinogens in isolated instances. Plasma volumes were measured in only two patients and were slightly increased. These studies established the early and regular occurrence of anemia in patients receiving multiple infusions of a fat emulsion. They do not establish its genesis. By negative reasoning, “dilutional” anemia appears to be the best possibility at this time.