'Stiff red cell syndrome' - A review of the treatment of sickle cell disease with pentoxifylline

Pentoxifylline has been used extensively to improve microcirculation, particularly in peripheral vascular disease. Pentoxifylline appears to act by increasing red cell flexibility and inhibiting platelet aggregation and white cell adhesion. For that reason, experimental and clinical studies were initiated to explore its possible usefulness in the prevention of vaso-occlusive crises in sickle cell diseases. The current status of such studies is reviewed.