Reduced plasma kininogen concentration during sickle cell crisis.

Eight patients with sickle cell anemia (SS hemoglobin) were found to have decreased plasma levels of kininogen compared to normal control subjects. The kininogen level of the patients with sickle cell anemia was decreased further during sickle cell crises. The results suggest that components of the kinin system are profoundly affected in patients with sickle cell anemia, and during crises may play a role in the clinical presentation of patients.