Document Detail


Role of plasma proteins in whole blood viscosity: a brief clinical review.
MedLine Citation:
PMID:  20364062     Owner:  NLM     Status:  MEDLINE    
Abstract/OtherAbstract:
Whole blood viscosity is affected by a number of factors, among which plasma proteins are a major component. They exert their effects either directly or through their influence on red cell aggregation. Changes in fibrinogen and in immunoglobulins, under both physiologic and pathologic conditions can increase whole blood viscosity. Blood flow through the microvasculature is impaired when viscosity increases, leading to tissue ischemia and a syndrome complex usually referred to as the hyperviscosity syndrome. Abnormalities of fibrinogen greatly increase its ability to cause red cell aggregation, and is a contributory pathogenic factor in ischemic heart disease and stroke. Immunoglobulins may affect blood viscosity directly, or by increasing the red cell aggregation. Changes are seen in many clinical disorders, ranging from inflammatory diseases to plasma cell dyscrasias. The clinical manifestations may be mild and often unnoticed, or they may be life threatening requiring emergency plasmapheresis. Proper management requires a clear understanding of the underlying pathology. When the symptom complex indicates a high probability of the hyperviscosity syndrome, it should lead to early diagnosis and treatment. Therapeutic approaches should include both removing the abnormal plasma protein and treating the primary cause.
Authors:
Hau C Kwaan
Publication Detail:
Type:  Journal Article; Review    
Journal Detail:
Title:  Clinical hemorheology and microcirculation     Volume:  44     ISSN:  1875-8622     ISO Abbreviation:  Clin. Hemorheol. Microcirc.     Publication Date:  2010  
Date Detail:
Created Date:  2010-04-05     Completed Date:  2010-09-20     Revised Date:  -    
Medline Journal Info:
Nlm Unique ID:  9709206     Medline TA:  Clin Hemorheol Microcirc     Country:  Netherlands    
Other Details:
Languages:  eng     Pagination:  167-76     Citation Subset:  IM    
Affiliation:
Division of Hematology/Oncology, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, Chicago, IL, USA. h-kwaan@northwestern.edu
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MeSH Terms
Descriptor/Qualifier:
Blood Proteins / physiology*
Blood Viscosity / physiology*
Fibrinogen / physiology
Humans
Chemical
Reg. No./Substance:
0/Blood Proteins; 9001-32-5/Fibrinogen

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