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Impaired red cell deformability in peripheral vascular disease
Lancet (London, England)
|March 27, 1976
Summary
Red blood cell deformability is reduced in peripheral vascular disease patients, especially those with severe symptoms like rest pain or gangrene. This impaired red blood cell flexibility may contribute to poor circulation.
Area of Science:
- Biomedical Engineering
- Hematology
- Vascular Medicine
Background:
- Peripheral vascular disease (PVD) affects circulation.
- Red blood cell (RBC) deformability is crucial for microcirculation.
- Impaired RBC deformability may worsen PVD outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To measure RBC deformability in PVD patients.
- To compare RBC deformability between PVD subgroups and healthy controls.
- To investigate the role of RBC deformability in PVD severity.
Main Methods:
- A new technique was used to measure RBC deformability.
- 44 PVD patients (28 intermittent claudication, 16 rest pain/gangrene) were studied.
- Patients were compared to 44 age- and sex-matched healthy controls.
Main Results:
- RBC deformability was significantly reduced in PVD patients compared to controls.
- RBC deformability was significantly lower in patients with rest pain or gangrene than in those with intermittent claudication.
- Reduced RBC deformability was observed across PVD severity.
Conclusions:
- Reduced RBC deformability is a characteristic of PVD.
- Decreased RBC deformability is more pronounced in severe PVD.
- Impaired RBC deformability may impede microcirculation and contribute to PVD.