Hematologic disorder sickle cell

A different approach to measuring EC damage has been circulating ECs (CECs). CECs have been described in patients with cardiovascular disease namely, in myocardial infarction [72], in unstable angina [73, 74], and postangioplasty [75]. In addition, CECs have also been found to be elevated in Rickettsia Conorii infection [76] and hematological disorders such as sickle cell disease [77, 78], TTP [79], and systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) [80],... 

Singer, H., Chemoff, A. I., and Singer, L., Studies on abnormal hemoglobin. I. Their demonstration in sickle cell anemia and other hematologic disorders by means of alkali denaturation. Blood 6, 413-428 (1951). 

Epoetin alfa has received orphan drug status from the FDA for the treatment of the anemia of prematurity, HIV infection, and myelodysplasia. In the latter case, even very high doses or more than 10(X) units/kg two to three times a week have had limited success. The utility of very high-dose therapy in other hematological disorders, such as sickle cell anemia, still is under study. Highly competitive athletes have used epoetin alfa to increase their hemoglobin levels ( blood doping ) and improve performance. 

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