Preliminary studies of continuous extracorporeal carbamylation in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.

Abstract

The lack of effective therapy of sickle cell anemia has prompted investigation of a large number of antisickling agents. The most promising drug, cyanate, was found in previous studies to be toxic when given systemically. The present study examined a semiautomated system for extracorporeal treatment with cyanate of the blood of four patients with sickle cell anemia. All patients achieved hemoglobin carbamylation levels greater than 1 mode of cyanate per mode of Hb4, with minimal systemic exposure to cyanate and no serious toxicity. Hematologic response occurred in two patients and possibly a third. Further study will be required to determine the efficacy of continuous extracorporeal carbamylation in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.

• Authors: S P Balcerzak, M R Grever, D E Sing, J N Bishop, M L Segal
• Journal: The Journal of laboratory and clinical medicine (J Lab Clin Med) Vol. 100 Issue 3 Pg. 345-55 (Sep 1982) ISSN: 0022-2143 [Print] United States
• PMID: 7108349 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article, Research Support, U.S. Gov't, P.H.S.)

Chemical References

• Cyanates
• Hemoglobins

Topics

• Adult
• Anemia, Sickle Cell (drug therapy, therapy)
• Blood Gas Analysis
• Cyanates (adverse effects, blood, therapeutic use)
• Female
• Hemoglobins (metabolism)
• Humans
• Hydrogen-Ion Concentration
• Male
• Renal Dialysis (adverse effects)