[Blood viscosity indicators in patients with gastric and duodenal diseases].

A total of 102 patients with peptic ulcer of the stomach and duodenum, chronic gastritis, and erosive gastritis were examined. A statistically significant increase in blood viscosity was recorded during the diseases enumerated. In peptic ulcer and chronic gastritis, the fibrinogen and hematocrit levels did not change quantitatively although quantitative changes in the fibrinogen level were likely to influence blood viscosity. Red cell aggregation was found to be increased, being the main factor responsible for blood viscosity deterioration. The authors studied the effect of cimetidine on blood viscosity in patients with peptic ulcer and the effect of peritol in chronic gastritis. These drugs were found to markedly reduce blood viscosity, as a result of which the circulation in the gastric mucosa improved, promoting the cure of patients with peptic ulcer. According to the authors' opinion, cimetidine, that blocks H2 histamine receptors, lessens the effect of histamine on red cell aggregation, thereby improving blood viscosity.