Risk factors for severe anemia requiring red blood cell transfusions in lymphoma patients receiving chemotherapy
19537 Background: Anemia is a frequent complication in lymphoma pts receiving chemotherapy (CT). However, the exact incidence of anemia with the current regimens and risk factors for severe anemia are not well established. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted to determine the incidence of anemia requiring transfusions (Tx). Medical records of all newly referred lymphoma pts (n=1046) in 2003 were reviewed. Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the clinical and laboratory features correlated with anemia in lymphoma pts during initial regimen received. Results: 425 pts who received ≥ 1 cycle of treatment at MDACC were included in this analysis. Median age was 57 (range 17–87) with 262 (62%) newly diagnosed. Most common first regimens were CHOP (29%), Hyper-CVAD ± Ara-c-MTX (23%), and ABVD (8%) (± rituxan- R).The total number of cycles 1638 (median 3, range, 1–10). The incidence of anemia requiring PRBC Tx was 32 % (136/425) of pts and 14% (231/1638) of cycles (median cycle-2 for Tx). The incidence of PRBC Tx ranged from 8% to 17 % in each cycle. The incidence of PRBC Tx among most common regimens were Hyper-CVAD/ Ara-c/MTX 69 %( 66/95), CHOP 23% (29/125), and ABVD 6% (2/34). In the univariate regression analysis, CT, stage, extranodal/BM involvement, histology, Hb, Ca, β2M, LDH, WBC/lymphocyte counts, were significantly associated with the Txs. Using multivariate logistic regression, baseline Hb (< 12 g/dL vs. ≥ 12 g/dL: OR 2.659, 95% CI 1.670 to 4.232, p< 0.0001), extra nodal involvement (± : OR 2.578, 95% CI 1.609 to 4.133, p<0.0001), and CT (high vs low risk: OR 3.889, 95% CI 2.446 to 6.183, p<0.0001) were the most important baseline risk factors for PRBC Txs. Conclusions: The incidence of anemia in this population is high in early cycles. Baseline pt characteristics including Hb (<12g/dL), extra nodal involvement, and high risk CT were found to be significant risk factors predictive for anemia and Txs. These findings could be useful to identify high risk pts for consideration of prophylaxis with erythropoietic agents for prevention of anemia. No significant financial relationships to disclose.