Improved filterability of sickled cells: Effects of pentoxifylline in sickle cell anemia

Article type: Research Article

Authors: Friederichs, E.^{a; b} | Burow, W.^c | Tillmann, W.^d

Affiliations: [a] Department of Pediatrics, University of Göttingen, F.R. Germany | [b] Max-Planck-Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Göttingen, F.R. Germany | [c] Klinikum Mannheim, F.R. Germany | [d] Department of Pediatrics, Klinikum Minden, F.R. Germany

Note: [] Accepted by: Editor A.M. Ehrly

Abstract: Seven patients suffering from sickle cell disease were treated over a period of eight weeks with 30–36 mg/kg pentoxifylline. Rheologic properties of erythrocytes from these patients were studied before and after treatment by cell filtration through polycarbonate filters. Erythrocytes of the patients passed through the filter pores more slowly than cells from healthy controls. Oxygen saturation leads to an increased filterability of the erythrocytes of the patients. After in vivo treatment with pentoxifylline the filtration rate was significantly improved without oxygen saturation. The number of sickled shaped cells was monitored before and during treatment with pentoxifylline. As a result of treatment improvement in filterability was associated with a decrease in irreversibly sickled cells.

Keywords: Sickle cell anemia, pentoxifylline, erythrocytes, filterability

DOI: 10.3233/CH-1987-7603

Journal: Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation, vol. 7, no. 6, pp. 757-765, 1987