[Quantitative determination of fragment erythrocytes (schistocytes) in healthy subjects and patients after surgery].

Fragmented erythrocytes (schistocytes) were counted in blood subjects and from 50 patients who underwent various surgical procedures. The results showed to be as follows: 1. The average number of schistocytes in healthy controls of both sexes was 1-20/00 (medium in Thoma chamber 1.4%0/00, in blood smears 2.030/00, with a range from 0-50/00 and 0-60/00, respectively). 2. There was an increase in the number of schistocytes two hours after a surgical procedure (average 60/00), the degree of which correlated with the extent of the operation. Higher values of fragmented erythrocytes were counted after intraoperative blood transfusion (average 100/00). In most cases schistocyte values returned to normal at about 24 hours after surgery. 3. The highest schistocyte counts (18-350/00) were observed in two patients undergoing splenectomy with persistence of elevated counts for a longer period. 4. The average schistocyte number in stored blood of various age was 2.50/00. 5. Both counting of schistocytes in Thoma chambers and in blood smears are applicable, though the values obtained with the latter technique are slightly higher. Quantitative estimtion of schistocytes proves a useful method for evaluating disturbances in microcirculation.