Abstract
The mechanism of the intravascular hemolysis of erythrocytes of the patients with paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) has not been defined yet. The protective effect of vitamin E on the erythrocyte membrane in a case of PNH was examined in vitro and in vivo.
The sugar water test was performed as a diagnostic aid of PNH. The hemoglobin concentration of the supernatant in the suger water test reduced to 70 to 80 per cent of the control when vitamin E was added in vitro.
After the administration of vitamin E (100 mg/day, parenterally) for about 4 weeks, the attacks of the hemolysis subsided and the anemia of the patient improved.
These facts mean vitamin E could inhibit the hemolysis of PNH erythrocytes stabilizing the erythrocyte membrane in vitro and in vivo.
