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Complete blood count and retinal vessel calibers
Gerald Liew1, Jie Jin Wang1, Elena Rochtchina2
1Centre for Vision Research, University of Sydney, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia; Centre for Eye Research Australia, University of Melbourne, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.
Plos One
|July 19, 2014
Summary
Elevated complete blood count components are linked to changes in retinal vessel width. Higher levels correlate with narrower arterioles and wider venules, impacting microcirculation.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Cardiovascular Research
Background:
- The relationship between complete blood count (CBC) and retinal microcirculation remains unclear.
- Retinal microvasculature offers a direct window into ocular and systemic vascular health.
- Vessel caliber changes are implicated in various diseases.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between complete blood count parameters and retinal vessel calibers.
- To understand how hematological indices influence the eye's microvasculature.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional population-based study (Blue Mountains Eye Study, n=3009, aged 49+).
- Fasting blood samples analyzed for complete blood count (1992-4).
- Retinal photographs used to measure arteriolar and venular calibers via a semi-automated program.
Main Results:
- Higher hematocrit, white cell count, and platelet count associated with narrower arterioles (p<0.05).
- Higher hemoglobin, hematocrit, red cell count, white cell count, and platelet count associated with wider venules (p<0.0001).
- Each quintile increase in CBC components showed significant changes in vessel caliber (0.5 µm narrower arterioles, 1-2 µm wider venules).
Conclusions:
- Elevated hematological indices demonstrate adverse effects on microcirculation.
- Findings suggest CBC parameters are significant predictors of retinal vessel caliber.
