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Hemorrheological variables in critical limb ischemia
C Köksal1, M Ercan, A K Bozkurt
1Cardiovascular Surgery Department Sureyyapasa SSK Thoracic and Cardiovascular Disease Hospital, Maltepe, Istanbul, Turkey. cengizkoksal@hotmail.com
Summary
Red blood cell rigidity is significantly lower in critical limb ischemia (CLI) patients, potentially improving microcirculation and oxygen delivery. This finding offers new insights into managing tissue hypoxia in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Vascular Surgery
Background:
- Impaired hemorheology can exacerbate tissue hypoxia in peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD).
- Investigating hemorheological changes is crucial for understanding hypoxia in critical limb ischemia (CLI).
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate changes in red blood cell rigidity, blood viscosity, and plasma viscosity in patients with CLI.
- To determine the role of these hemorheological factors in the development of hypoxia.
Main Methods:
- Compared 40 CLI patients with 40 healthy non-diabetic subjects.
- Measured routine blood counts, plasma fibrinogen, total cholesterol, red blood cell rigidity, blood viscosity, and plasma viscosity.
- Utilized student's t-test for statistical analysis with significance set at p<0.05.
Main Results:
- Blood viscosity was significantly lower in CLI patients at a low shear rate (6.00 sec(-1)) but not at a high shear rate (225 sec(-1)).
- Plasma viscosity and fibrinogen levels were comparable between groups.
- CLI patients exhibited significantly higher plasma total cholesterol and significantly lower red blood cell rigidity.
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest a novel role for blood viscosity in CLI, contrasting previous literature.
- Therapies targeting red blood cell rigidity may improve microcirculation and oxygen transport, potentially benefiting CLI patients.
- Directly addressing red blood cell rigidity could reduce tissue hypoxia and prevent hemolysis in PAOD.