This study was aimed to evaluate the effect of benzyl alcohol on trehalose-loading red blood cells (RBCs). The RBCs were incubated in 10, 30, 50 and 100 mmol/L concentrations of benzyl alcohol-trehaloe solution at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. The hemolysis rate of loaded RBCs was detected by using cyanohemoglobin kit, the intracellular trehalose level were assayed by sulfate anthrone method. The results showed that the intracellular trehalose concentration in group with 100 mmol/L benzyl alcohol was 72 +/- 12.98 mmol/L, compared with that in groups of 10, 30 and 50 mmol/L, the statistical difference were significant (p = 0.000); the hemolysis rate of loaded RBCs in group with 100 mmol/L of benzyl alcohol was 17.99 +/- 3.75%, as compared with groups of 10, 30 and 50 mmol/L, the statistical difference was significant (p = 0.000). It is concluded that benzyl alcohol can enhance the intracellular trehalose concentration. As concentration of benzyl alcohol ascends, the intracellular trehalose concentration increases. 100 mmol/L benzyl alcohol may be proper for loading RBCs.
Benzyl Alcohol ; pharmacology ; Blood Preservation ; methods ; Erythrocyte Membrane ; metabolism ; Erythrocytes ; drug effects ; metabolism ; Freeze Drying ; methods ; Humans ; Trehalose ; metabolism ; pharmacology

PURPOSE: To report retinal hemorrhage and retinal edema induced by the remaining triamcinolone acetonide (TA) used in vitrectomy for dyeing of vitreous and epiretinal membranes. CASE SUMMARY: The authors performed 23 gauze vitrectomies for macular epiretinal membranes. TA was used during the operation to enhance visualization of the vitreous and epiretinal membrane. At the end of the surgery, an amount of TA was left on the retinal surface. One day after the operation, the patient was maintained a semi-sitting position because of the floating TA particles in the vitreous cavity. The following day, the TA settled onto the inferior retina and retinal edema and hemorrhage occurred unexpectedly in the inferior retina. Vitrectomy was performed again and the fluid of the vitreous cavity was replaced with a fresh balanced salt solution and the settled TA was removed from retinal surface. Finally, argon laser photocoagulation was performed at the area where the retinal edema and hemorrhage had occurred. The retinal edema and hemorrhage disappeared after a few days, normal visual acuity was recovered in seven days, and a normal condition with no further ocular complications was maintained at six months. CONCLUSIONS: When a TA vehicle, such as benzyl alcohol, and TA particles contained in the vehicle are left in the vitreous cavity and contact the retinal surface of a vitrectomized eye, retinal toxicity can be induced due to retinal edema and hemorrhage. The safest use of TA in vitrectomy would involve at least two rounds of sedimentation or filtration through a micofilter needle.
Argon ; Benzyl Alcohol ; Epiretinal Membrane ; Eye ; Filtration ; Hemorrhage ; Humans ; Light Coagulation ; Needles ; Papilledema ; Retina ; Retinal Hemorrhage ; Retinaldehyde ; Triamcinolone ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; Visual Acuity ; Vitrectomy

Intralesional triamcinolone acetonide injection is indicated for multiple skin conditions such as keloid scars, alopecia areata, and hypertrophic lichen planus. Immediate hypersensitivity reaction remains uncommon. We report on a 24-year-old woman who had received multiple intralesional injections with triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort) plus lidocaine for keloid scar treatment without any reaction for the previous 10 years. The immediate reaction occurred 15 minutes after injection, with numbness on her face and 5 minutes later with urticaria on her chest wall and upper extremities, together with hypotension (blood pressure of 90/60 mmHg). Allergology workup revealed positive skin prick test for triamcinolone acetonide (Kenacort). Skin tests for other corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, methylprednisolone, and dexamethasone), excipients (carboxymethylcellulose, benzyl alcohol, and polysorbate 80) and lidocaine were negative, including subcutaneous challenge for lidocaine and oral challenge for carboxymethylcellulose. IgE-mediated hypersensitivity reaction must be considered in cases of multiple applications of triamcinolone acetonide injection.
Adrenal Cortex Hormones ; Alopecia Areata ; Anaphylaxis ; Benzyl Alcohol ; Carboxymethylcellulose Sodium ; Cicatrix ; Drug Hypersensitivity ; Excipients ; Female ; Humans ; Hypersensitivity, Immediate ; Hypesthesia ; Hypotension ; Injections, Intralesional ; Keloid ; Lichen Planus ; Lidocaine ; Methylprednisolone ; Skin ; Skin Tests ; Thoracic Wall ; Triamcinolone Acetonide ; Triamcinolone ; Upper Extremity ; Urticaria ; Young Adult