Preventing Kidney Failure in Hemolytic Anemias with a Novel Heme and Hemoglobin Scavenger

Pathophysiological conditions characterized by chronic hemolysis, such as genetic and acquired hemolytic diseases, lead to increased levels of circulatory cell-free hemoglobin (fHb), free heme, and iron. The toxicity of free acellular hemoglobin has been a subject of intense study to understand its impact on the human body. fHb's small size allows it to extravasate into various organs, causing damage. The kidney is particularly vulnerable to Hb toxicity as it can filtrate through the kidneys, affecting glomerular filtration rate and leading to kidney failure.