[Changes in the aggregative properties of the erythrocytes in chronic alcoholism]

On the basis of examination of 50 alcoholics the authors have established that alcoholism is associated with impairments of the aggregational properties of blood erythrocytes expressed in a persistent and marked increase of aggregation and the appearance of enlarged massive aggregates. The severity of aggregation disturbances depends not only on the presence of the abstinence syndrome but is also closely related to the stage of alcoholism, becoming more gross in the progressive course with signs of encephalopathy, and directly correlates with severity of psychotic symptoms.