Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 22, 2026

Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
[Hemorheologic changes in patients with liver diseases]
Kai Wang1, Dong-sheng Wang, Xiao-peng Fan
1Department of Infectious Liver Diseases of Qilu Hospital, Shandong University, Jinan 250012, China.
Background:
To study the variation of the hemorheology and microcirculation in different period of liver diseases.
Methods:
Indices for hemorheology, liver function, HBV DNA and transfusion transmitted virus (TTV) DNA were measured in 82 patients with liver diseases and correlative analysis was made.
Results:
The low-shear whole blood viscosity (BV) and RBC aggregation index were significantly higher in hepatitis B group than those in the control group (P less than 0.05). No correlation was found between HBV DNA and indices of hemorheology (P greater than 0.05). The high-shear and low-shear BV and hematocrit (HCT) were significantly lower in decompensated cirrhosis group than those in the control group (P less than 0.05). RBC aggregation index, plasma viscosity (PV) and the low-shear BV were significantly higher in compensated cirrhosis group than those in the control group (P less than 0.05). The high-shear and low-shear BV were significantly higher in TTV positive group than those in the control group.
Conclusion:
There is disturbance of microcirculation in the body of patients with hepatitis B or TTV infection. The blood of patients with compensated cirrhosis is in highly viscose status and in low viscose status in patients with decompensated cirrhosis. TTV seems to be harmful to some degree to the body. The hemorheology should be an index in detecting liver diseases in addition to HBV markers.
Related Concept Videos
Portal Hypertension
Cirrhosis I: Introduction
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol abuse, or...
Cirrhosis II: Pathophysiology
Diseases of the Liver and Gallbladder
Cirrhosis is characterized by the scarring of hepatic lobules in the liver, which are replaced by fibrous tissue, affecting the liver's normal functioning. NAFLD, on the other hand, is caused by an excessive build-up of fat in the liver, not related to...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

