Rheological properties of erythrocytes in patients suffering from morbid obesity. Examination with LORCA device.

UNLABELLED

Obesity is associated with many comorbid pathologies that lead to increased morbidity and increased mortality. Hemorheological changes in obesity are currently investigated as one of the risk factors for many comorbid pathologies. It has been found that erythrocyte hyperaggregation and a decrease in erythrocyte filterability have also been well documented in obesity patients. The aim of this study is to present preliminary results of the influence of weight reduction after vertical banded gastroplasty (VBG) on aggregation of red cells and red blood cells deformability. We studied seven patients who underwent VBG, median age 46 years (range 35-52), median BMI 52.1 kg/m(2) (range 36.6-66). Blood rheology changes and selected biochemical parameters were examinated before and 6 months after VBG. Erythrocyte elongation and red blood cells (RBC) aggregation were measured using the Laser-assisted Optical Rotational Cell Analyser (LORCA). The RBC aggregation index was significantly decreased, while the aggregation half-time (t(1/2)) significantly elongated after surgery. The syllectogram amplitude did not change. No differences in RBC deformability were observed in the postoperative period.

CONCLUSION

We could conclude that among morbidly obese patients six months after VBG some beneficial changes of erythrocyte rheological parameters are observed. Further studies are necessary to confirm our preliminary results.