[Effect of chronic anemia on the endothelium-dependent dilatation of the brachial artery].

UNLABELLED

The effect of changes in main determinants of whole blood viscosity after red blood cell transfusion on endethel dependent dilatation of brachial artery was studied in patients treated with transfusion because of symptoms of chronic anaemia.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

10 patients were involved, 8 females 2 males, mean age 50.9 +/- 16.6 years. Following blood tests were performed at hospital admission: hemoglobin, red blood cell count, heamatocrit, white blood cell count, platelet count, plasma total protein, fibrinogen, plasma viscosity, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, cholesterol, triglicerides. Flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery was determined, too. Blood tests and flow mediated dilatation study were repeated after transfusion.

RESULTS

The main determinants of whole blood viscosity increased after transfusion. The increase of hemoglobin, red blood cell count, hematocrit were highly significant. The central flow velocity in brachial artery decreased at rest and during hyperemia as well. The flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery wasn't significantly changed by transfusion.

CONCLUSIONS

Change of determinants of whole blood viscosity caused by transfusion didn't change the flow mediated dilatation of brachial artery. The probable reason for this that the increase of whole blood viscosity in associated with the decrease of central flow velocity. These two counteracting changes probably equal each other.