Erythrocyte deformability and erythrocyte aggregation in preeclampsia

One of the features of preeclampsia is impaired blood rheology due to alter ed erythrocyte aggregation and erythrocyte deformability. We investigated t hese two parameters which affect the viscosity of blood, along with serum a nd intraerythrocytic magnesium concentrations, immunoglobulin titres and fi brinogen concentration in 12 preeclamptic women. Eighteen (18) other non-pr eeclamptic, gestation-matched women acted as controls. Erythrocyte deformab ility, expressed as elongation index (EI), and erythrocyte aggregation expr essed as aggregation half-time (t(1/2)) were measured with the Laser-assist ed Optical Rotational Cell Analyser (LORCA). Serum and intraerythrocytic ma gnesium concentrations were analysed by atomic absorption spectrometry, imm unoglobulin titres by radial immunodiffusion and fibrinogen concentration b y a clot weight technique. There was no statistically significant differenc e in these parameters between preeclamptics and controls suggesting that er ythrocyte deformability and aggregation as well as serum and intraerythrocy tic concentrations, fibrinogen levels and immunoglobulin titres are not alt ered in preeclampsia. Further investigations are required in severe preecla mpsia and in preeclamptic women taking magnesium sulphate supplement.