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Abnormal haemoglobin electrophoresis caused by BW 12C
F van Rhee1, I Ware, T Littlewood
1Department of Haematology, John Radcliffe Hospital, Headington, Oxford.
Journal of Clinical Pathology
|October 1, 1992
Summary
BW 12C, an anti-sickling agent, stabilizes hemoglobin but interferes with hemoglobin electrophoresis and sickling disorder tests. This complicates cancer diagnosis and treatment monitoring in patients.
Area of Science:
- Biochemistry
- Pharmacology
- Hematology
Background:
- BW 12C, a substituted benzaldehyde, is investigated for its potential as an anti-sickling agent.
- It stabilizes hemoglobin in the oxy-conformation, shifting the oxygen dissociation curve to the left.
Observation:
- Clinical trials revealed abnormal bands on hemoglobin electrophoresis strips in patients treated with BW 12C.
- This phenomenon rendered the accurate diagnosis of abnormal hemoglobins impossible.
Findings:
- BW 12C interferes with standard hemoglobin electrophoresis, creating diagnostic challenges.
- The drug also compromises the reliability of solubility tests (Itano) for diagnosing sickling disorders.
Implications:
- The diagnostic interference of BW 12C necessitates the development of alternative or modified diagnostic methods.
- Understanding these effects is crucial for patients undergoing treatment for sickle cell disease and cancer.