Systemic treatment with epidermal growth factor induces anaemia in Goettingen minipigs

1. From two independent experimental studies conducted in 48 minipigs with oesophageal sclerotherapy and concomitant treatment with epidermal growth factor, blood samples together with bone marrow biopsies were analysed for safety data. 2. Four to five weeks of systemic treatment with epidermal growth factor induced a decline in blood haemoglobin concentration in a time- and dose-dependent and reversible manner but without an effect on leucocyte or platelet counts. 3. The bone marrow expressed decreased amounts of haematopoietic tissue and reduced numbers of erythropoietic cells. 4. Four to five weeks of systemic treatment with epidermal growth factor induced reversible increases in serum concentrations of creatinine and urea, most likely reflecting renal impairment. 5. Groups in which creatinine and urea were not increased also had reduced blood haemoglobin concentrations. 6. These findings suggest that epidermal growth factor selectively impaired the erythropoiesis and stress the importance of risk-benefit analysis concerning the potential therapeutic applications of epidermal growth factor.