Thrombosis

Drug-coated red blood cells destroy blood clots from within

Published in Blood Weekly, September 4th, 2003

Thrombosis is a common cause of complications and even death following surgery. To create a better means of preventing thrombosis, researchers at University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine coated red blood cells (RBCs) with tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), a clot-dissolving drug commonly used as an emergency treatment for stroke.

When given alone, tPA has a short life span in circulation and has the potential to cause serious bleeding as it diffuses out of the bloodstream. The RBC/tPA combo, however, lasts 10 times longer in the bloodstream than free-floating tPA and decreases the likelihood of excess bleeding, according to a new study.

"The...

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Source: Blood Weekly (2003-09-04)

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