Liposomal Clodronate May Offer Potential Benefits To Blood Disorder Sufferers

By Adele Madden


AIHA, otherwise known as autoimmune hemolytic anemia, is rather uncommon kind of anemia. It causes an individual's body to develop and produce antibodies that turn against the person's own red blood cells. The results in an unhealthy phenomena during which, over time, the premature and permanent destruction of these cells occurs. Liposomal clodronate is a drug that has recently captured the attention of numerous health and medical scientists and researchers, and for this reason it is currently being tested and studied as a possible AIHA treatment.

In many instances, surgical procedures are necessary in order to treat patients who are suffering from AIHA. Most individuals are fully aware that there are a certain number of risks associated with any type of surgery. These risks are even higher in those who suffer from underlying illnesses or other health issues. Elderly individuals are also at increased risk for complications.

Those who have disorders of the immune system are typically not good candidates for surgery. Additionally, those who are on certain medications may have a high risk for complications following surgical procedures. These are some of the reasons that research concerning AIHA is focused on discovering new medications for the disorder, rather than more surgical alternatives.

Fortunately, today's modern technology has allowed scientists to isolate the type of agent that is needed to correct the red blood cell destruction that is caused by AIHA: antimacrophage agents are essential in order to stop the destructive activity occurring within the bloodstreams of individuals suffering from AIHA.

According to recent research, liposomally encapsulated clodronate can successfully combat the abnormal production of the antibodies that attack one's red blood cells. Additional trials were conducted to find out if these discoveries were truly as positive as the initial studies indicated.

A two-year study was conducted on mice to test the effectiveness of the drug mentioned above. Two highly different red blood cell antibodies were administered to 2 groups of laboratory mice. The speed at which the destruction of the red blood cells took place dropped significantly when liposomal clodronate was given to both groups of mice.

Health experts and researchers are very optimistic with regard to this substance and its possible advantages for those suffering from AIHA. Numerous scientists believe that using this drug may prove as beneficial as a surgical procedure referred to as a therapeutic splenectomy. Naturally, using liposomally encapsulated clodronate is associated with less risks than any type of surgery. The drug may also be beneficial in instances where a fast response to therapy is crucial.

In addition, positive results were observed when liposomal clodronate was used to suppress macrophage activity in various situations. These included organ transplants, autoimmune diseases, neurological disorders and gene therapy. For this reason, anyone suffering from AIHA has reason to hope that this drug may eventually be developed and marketed as a treatment or even a cure for this destructive blood disorder. However, additional research is still necessary to thoroughly understand all the beneficial effects of the drug.




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