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Hemorheological parameters in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS)
G Caimi1, E Hopps1, M Carlisi1
1Dipartimento Biomedico di Medicina Interna e Specialistica, Università di Palermo, Palermo, Italy.
Abstract:
There is scarcity of information about the hemorheological pattern in subjects with Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS). This preliminary research is focused on the behaviour of whole-blood and plasma viscosity, haematocrit and erythrocyte deformability in the above clinical condition. We enrolled 21 MGUS subjects (10 women and 11 men; mean age 66.4 ± 11.6 years). In fasting venous blood we examined whole-blood and plasma viscosity at high and low shear rates, haematocrit, the ratios between whole-blood viscosity (at high and low shear rate) and haematocrit × 100, the ratio between plasma viscosity at low and high shear rate, and the erythrocyte deformability expressed as elongation index. By comparing normal controls to MGUS subjects a significant increase in whole-blood viscosity at high shear rate and in plasma viscosity at low shear rate were observed. In MGUS subjects the ratios between the high and low shear rate blood viscosity and haematocrit × 100, as well as the ratio between the low and high shear rate plasma viscosity were significantly higher. In MGUS subjects a marked decrease in erythrocyte deformability was also observed. The alteration of the hemorheological profile found in these subjects might be involved in the pathogenesis of thromboembolic events, which occur with a high frequency in MGUS.
Insights
This study reveals altered hemorheology in Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS), including increased blood viscosity and decreased red blood cell flexibility. These changes may contribute to a higher risk of blood clots in MGUS patients.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Rheology
- Clinical Research
Background:
- Monoclonal Gammopathy of Undetermined Significance (MGUS) is a condition with limited hemorheological data.
- Understanding hemorheological patterns is crucial for assessing thromboembolic risk in MGUS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate whole-blood viscosity, plasma viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte deformability in MGUS subjects.
- To identify hemorheological alterations associated with MGUS.
Main Methods:
- Assessed viscosity (whole blood and plasma), hematocrit, and erythrocyte deformability (elongation index) in 21 MGUS patients.
- Compared hemorheological parameters between MGUS subjects and normal controls.
- Analyzed ratios of viscosity to hematocrit and plasma viscosity at different shear rates.
Main Results:
- MGUS subjects showed significantly higher whole-blood viscosity (high shear rate) and plasma viscosity (low shear rate) compared to controls.
- Elevated ratios of blood viscosity to hematocrit and plasma viscosity were observed in MGUS.
- Erythrocyte deformability was markedly reduced in MGUS patients.
Conclusions:
- MGUS is associated with significant hemorheological abnormalities, including increased viscosity and impaired erythrocyte function.
- These hemorheological changes may play a role in the increased incidence of thromboembolic events in MGUS.
- Further research is warranted to explore the clinical implications of these findings.
