Studies on the management and prevention of vasoocclusive crisis in sickle cell disease
Ambrus, J.L.; Ambrus, C.M.; Bannerman, R.; Sills, R.H.; Meky, N.N.
Journal of Medicine 15(5-6): 385-407
1984
ISSN/ISBN: 0025-7850 PMID: 6100377 Document Number: 231550
In vitro deformability of red blood cells from SS-genotype patients in vasocclusive crisis of sickle cell disease was significantly improved by the in vitro addition of the xanthine derivative pentoxifylline (Trental). Monkeys Macaca arctoides transfused with discarded sickle cell crisis blood showed aggregation of red cells and platelets on metal screens inserted into arterio-venous anastomoses. This phenomenon could be prevented by pretreatment of the animals with 24 mg/kg of pentoxifylline. The possible mechanisms of action are discussed.