Non-invasive method for assessment of inflammation.

Area of Science:

• Biomedical Engineering
• Medical Diagnostics
• Hematology

Background:

• Elevated erythrocyte aggregation is linked to increased inflammatory processes.
• Current diagnostic methods for inflammation can be invasive or lack specificity.
• Non-invasive techniques for assessing red blood cell (RBC) behavior are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the potential of a non-invasive dynamic light scattering (DLS) method for measuring in vivo erythrocyte aggregation.
• To evaluate the correlation between RBC aggregation levels and inflammatory conditions.
• To assess the efficacy of the developed mDLS sensor modules in differentiating patient groups.

Main Methods:

• Development of sensor modules (mDLS) using VCSEL and photodiodes, placed on a finger cuff.
• Temporary occlusion of blood flow using over-systolic cuff inflation.
• Recording sensor signals during blood flow occlusion in control, COVID-19, and inflammatory disease patient groups.

Main Results:

• Significant differences in signal kinetic behavior were observed between the control group and patient groups.
• These differences were attributed to varying rates of red blood cell (RBC) aggregation.
• The mDLS method demonstrated potential in distinguishing inflammatory states based on RBC aggregation patterns.

Conclusions:

• Non-invasive measurement of erythrocyte aggregation is feasible using the mDLS technique.
• RBC aggregation dynamics, as measured by mDLS, can serve as a biomarker for inflammatory processes.
• This technology holds promise for developing new non-invasive diagnostic tools for inflammation.