Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 30, 2026

Measuring Deformability and Red Cell Heterogeneity in Blood by Ektacytometry
Published on: January 12, 2018
[Alterations of rheological properties of blood in systemic sclerodermia]
Aim:
To study hemorheological status in systemic sclerosis (SS) patients.
Material And Methods:
Macro- and microrheology of blood were investigated in 70 SS patients. The rate of spontaneous aggregation of red blood cells [T1(s)], durability of the largest units [Ia2.5(%)], general hydrodynamic durability of units [beta(s-1)], limit of fluidity [tau 0 (mPa)], Casson viscosity K (mPa/s) were determined.
Results:
The total severity of hemorheological disturbances was 1.90 +/- 0.07 with T1 = 4.98 +/- 1.52s, beta = 62.76 +/- 19.32s, Ia 2.5 = -0.78 +/- 12.83%, tau 0 = 7.00 +/- 0.45 mPa. The Casson viscosity did not differ from normal levels. Plasma viscosity was 1.71 +/- 0.18 rel units, viscosity of sera 1.55 +/- 0.14 rel.units. The severity of hemorheological disturbances did not differ in cute and chronic courses but the parameter beta (72.0 +/- 4.5) was significantly higher (p < 0.05) in the acute course. The severity of hemorheological disturbances was highest in SS patients with cardiac disease (p < 0.05) and in 10 year SS duration.
Conclusion:
The course of SS is complicated by progressive hyperaggregation syndrome promoting development of visceral pathology. Active correction of hemorheology is pathogenetically validated in SS.
Related Concept Videos
Rheumatic Heart Disease I: Introduction
Assessment of the Cardiovascular System III: Palpation
Jugular Venous Pressure (JVP) Measurement
Position the patient at a thirty- to forty-five-degree angle or in a semi-fowler's position. Look for the highest point of pulsation in the internal jugular vein and measure the vertical distance to the angle of Loius or sternal angle. A normal JVP is 3-4 cm above the...
Vascular Resistance
The primary determinants of vascular resistance are vessel diameter, blood viscosity, and vessel length. Among these, vessel diameter plays the most significant role due to the fourth power relationship described by...
Cardiovascular System Abnormal Findings I: Inspection and Palpation
Abnormal findings observed during an inspection
Peripheral Arterial Disease II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Evaluation
Disorders of Hemostasis
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.

