Intravenous oxpentifylline and the painful crisis of sickle cell disease

Abstract

Oxpentifylline, a synthetic xanthine derivative with a rheological action on sickle cells in vitro, has been assessed for the treatment of sickle cell painful crisis in a double-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-centre trial of 62 patients. Oxpentifylline was given as a continuous intravenous infusion for a maximum of 96 hours. No statistically significant difference between the placebo and treatment groups was found for the clinical end-points of resolution of local tenderness, restoration of local movement, overall mobility, sleep disturbance, and complete resolution of symptoms.