Search

Eight adult patients with sickle cell anemia were followed over a 6-mo period. During this time all patients had elevated plateletcounts, 1.7-fold (mean, 438,398 ±86,223), and megathrombocyte numbers, 2.3-fold (mean, 79,535 ±38,907), during asymptomatic periods. These data are interpreted as suggesting that the elevated platelets and megathrombocytes in asymptomatic sickle cell patients result from lack of splenic sequestration. During three crises in two patients, both megathrombocyte number and platelet count fell significantly. It is speculated that platelets may be associated with the pathology in this disease. Platelet function studies performed during crises, therefore, must take into account the number of megathrombocytes.

Surgical results were compared in a small series of 11 cases of V pattern exotropia regarding simple bilateral lateral rectus recessions (with supraplacement) versus bilateral lateral rectus recessions combined with inferior oblique weakenings. None of the cases demonstrated inferior oblique overaction. Up-down comitance was considerably better in those cases that had inferior oblique surgery.