The effect of calcium channel blockers on osmotic fragility of erythrocytes of uremic and hypertensive patients

S. M. Shasha, B. Kristal, L. Karkaby, J. Chazer, J. Manister, T. Shkolnik

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

Abstract

The effect of nifedipine, a calcium-blocking agent, on osmotic fragility of erythrocytes of uremic and essential hypertensive patients was studied. Median osmotic fragility (MOF) was found to be higher in uremic patients (0.457 ± 0.016 gm/L) than in healthy controls (0.421 ± 0.0054 gm/L). Mild essential hypertensives also showed higher MOF (0.434 ± 0.013 gm/L) than normal controls (0.421 ± 0.054 gm/L), but lower than the uremic group. Uremic patients with hypertension had the same MOF as uremic patients without hypertension. Treatment with nifedipine resulted in a reduction of MOF in both the uremic and hypertensive patient groups. These results support the suggestion that the shortened red blood cell survival found in uremic patients is caused by enhanced calcium influx into the red cells as a result of the action of parathyroid hormone. Treatment with calcium blockers reduces MOF and may improve the anemia of renal failure.

Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)72-77
Number of pages6
JournalCurrent Therapeutic Research - Clinical and Experimental
Volume44
Issue number1
StatePublished - 1988
Externally publishedYes

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