An Analysis of Hypoplastic Anæmia With Special Reference to the Use of Oxymetholone (”adroyd“) in Its Therapy

Summary Eight of II patients with refractory anæmia, who required regular blood transfusions to maintain their hæmoglobin level, gave a dramatic clinical and hæmatological response to oxymetholone. Analysis of bone marrow aspirates revealed an overall increase in erythropoietic tissue and mitotic indices following successful treatment with oxymetholone. A significant increase in the incidence of karyomeres was noted in the red‐cell precursors in some patients with hypoplastic anæmia. This was interpreted as reflecting abnormalities in mitosis similar to the effects seen after irradiation. Possible factors in the ætiology of aplastic anæmia are discussed.