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Elevated blood viscosity in systemic lupus erythematosus.
R S Rosenson1, S Shott, R Katz
1Preventive Cardiology Center, Northwestern University Medical School, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. r-rosenson@northwestern.edu
Seminars in Arthritis and Rheumatism
|August 15, 2001
Summary
Elevated blood viscosity is observed in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), potentially contributing to cardiovascular risks and reduced tissue perfusion. Further research is needed to confirm this link.
Area of Science:
- Rheology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Immunology
Background:
- Elevated blood viscosity is implicated in atherothrombotic and thromboembolic events.
- Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is associated with an increased risk of cardiovascular complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whether blood viscosity is elevated in SLE patients.
- To determine if increased blood viscosity contributes to cardiovascular complications and reduced tissue perfusion in SLE.
Main Methods:
- Blood viscosity profiles were assessed in 27 SLE patients and 46 age- and gender-matched controls.
- Viscosity was measured at 37°C and shear rates of 1 s⁻¹ and 100 s⁻¹, corrected to average SLE hematocrit.
Main Results:
- Corrected blood viscosity was significantly higher in SLE patients compared to controls at 100 s⁻¹ (P =.002).
- Blood viscosity correlated positively with the SLE Damage Index, fibrinogen, and plasma viscosity.
Conclusions:
- Blood viscosity is elevated in SLE patients, even at standard hematocrit.
- Increased blood viscosity may contribute to cardiovascular complications and tissue ischemia in SLE.