Related Experiment Videos
Echinocytosis induced by haemodialysis
C R Hasler1, G R Owen, W Brunner
1Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital, Chur, Switzerland.
Summary
Haemodialysis can cause red blood cells to change shape into echinocytes, increasing blood viscosity. This reversible change, driven by a plasma factor, may impact circulation in at-risk patients.
Area of Science:
- Nephrology
- Hematology
- Biophysics
Background:
- Hemodialysis is a common treatment for renal failure but can cause patient discomfort.
- The underlying mechanisms for hemodialysis intolerance are not fully understood.
- This study investigates the effects of hemodialysis on red blood cell morphology and blood flow properties.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the impact of hemodialysis on erythrocyte morphology.
- To assess changes in blood rheology during hemodialysis.
- To identify potential factors influencing these alterations.
Main Methods:
- Studied 22 patients undergoing hemodialysis with biocompatible membranes.
- Measured hematological parameters, erythrocyte morphology (echinocytosis), and blood viscosity.
- Incubated erythrocytes in patient plasma and vice versa to identify causative factors.
Main Results:
- Erythrocytes showed reversible echinocytic transformation within 30 minutes of hemodialysis.
- A plasma factor was identified as the cause of echinocytosis.
- Increased echinocytosis correlated significantly with higher blood viscosity at high shear rates (r=0.800, P<0.01).
Conclusions:
- Hemodialysis frequently induces reversible echinocytosis and increased blood viscosity.
- These changes, mediated by plasma factors, may negatively affect circulation in susceptible patients.
- Further research is needed to mitigate these rheological alterations during hemodialysis.