Preliminary studies of continuous extracorporeal carbamylation in the treatment of sickle cell anemia.
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.
D000328:Adult; D000755:Anemia, Sickle Cell / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000628:therapy*; D001784:Blood Gas Analysis; D003485:Cyanates / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000097:blood / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D005260:Female; D006454:Hemoglobins / Q000378:metabolism; D006801:Humans; D006863:Hydrogen-Ion Concentration; D008297:Male; D006435:Renal Dialysis / Q000009:adverse effects
D003485:Cyanates; D006454:Hemoglobins