SUPPRESSION OF IRREVERSIBLY SICKLED ERYTHROCYTES BY ZINC THERAPY IN SICKLE-CELL ANEMIA

  • 1 January 1977
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 90  (3) , 549-554
Abstract
Zn administered orally to 12 patients with SCA [sickle cell anemia] decreased the mean number of circulating ISC [irreversibly sickled cells] from 28.0% before treatment to 18.6% during treatment. Seven of the 12 patients had statistically significant individual decreases in ISC counts, and 2 others had moderate reduction in ISC of borderline significance. Patients who did not have a significant decrease in ISC count while on Zn therapy had low counts initially. The decrease in ISC may mean improved oxygenation. The decrease in ISC provides objective evidence of an in vivo effect of oral Zn treatment in SCA. The role of ISC in the pathology and symptomatology of SCA is unknown, but some evidence suggests that ISC may be related to vascular and organ damage. If so, therapies which decrease ISC counts, such as Zn, have the potential of reducing organ damage.

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