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The rheological profile of chronic liver disease patients in Nigeria

Caroline E Omoti1, Casmir E Omuemu, Adesuwa N Olu-Eddo

  • 1Department of Haematology and Blood Transfusion, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, P.M.B. 1111, Benin City, Nigeria. ediomoti@yahoo.com

Clinical Hemorheology and Microcirculation
|July 25, 2009
PubMed

Insights

Chronic liver disease patients in Nigeria exhibit reduced blood viscosity and lower fibrinogen levels, potentially explaining their increased bleeding risk. This study highlights key rheological alterations in liver disease.

Area of Science:

  • Hematology
  • Hepatology
  • Vascular Biology

Background:

  • Chronic liver diseases (CLD) impair liver function, altering blood constituents and affecting vascular and rheological parameters.
  • Understanding these alterations is crucial for managing complications in CLD patients.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the rheological profile of chronic liver disease patients in Nigeria.
  • To correlate rheological changes with clinical features and complications.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective study of 70 CLD patients and 50 healthy controls in Benin City, Nigeria.
  • Analysis included plasma fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, hematocrit, and platelet count.
  • CLD diagnosis confirmed by histology and clinical stigmata.

Main Results:

  • CLD patients showed significantly lower hematocrit and platelet counts compared to controls (p<0.001).
  • Plasma fibrinogen concentration and plasma viscosity were also significantly reduced in CLD patients (p<0.001).
  • Alcoholic cirrhosis and viral hepatitis were the predominant risk factors.

Conclusions:

  • CLD patients present with hypofibrinogenemia and reduced blood viscosity.
  • These rheological changes may contribute to the hypocoagulable state and bleeding tendencies observed in CLD.
  • Findings underscore the importance of rheological assessment in managing CLD patients.
Abstract

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