Author/Authors :
Ugurlu, Erhan Department of Pulmonology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey , Kilic-Toprak, Emine Department of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey , Can, Ilknur Department of Pulmonology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey , Kilic-Erkek, Ozgen Department of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey , Altinisik, Goksel Department of Pulmonology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey , Bor-Kucukatay, Melek Department of Physiology - Faculty of Medicine - Pamukkale University, Denizli, Turkey
Abstract :
Background. Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is characterized by progressive airflow limitation. Cardiovascularrelated comorbidities are established to contribute to morbidity and mortality especially during exacerbations. The aim of the
current study was to determine alterations in hemorheology (erythrocyte aggregation, deformability) in newly diagnosed COPD
patients and their response to medical treatment and to compare with values of COPD patients with exacerbations. Materials and
Methods. The study comprised 13 COPD patients, 12 controls, and 16 COPD patients with exacerbations. The severity of COPD was
determined according to Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease guidelines. Red blood cell (RBC) deformability and
aggregation were measured by an ektacytometer. Results. RBC deformability of COPD patients with exacerbations was decreased
compared to the other groups. Erythrocyte aggregation and plasma fibrinogen of COPD patients determined during exacerbations
were higher than control. Conclusion. Decreased RBC deformability and increased aggregation associated with exacerbations
of COPD may serve as unfavorable mechanisms to worsen oxygenation and thus clinical symptoms of the patient. Treatment
modalities that modify rheological parameters might be beneficial.
