Abstract
Exchange transfusion may markedly improve the condition of newborns with sepsis. The exact mechanisms involved are not completely understood. We have studied viscosity (cone-plate viscometer) of red blood cells (RBC) suspended in plasma and albumin solution at a hematocrit of 0.60±0.01 in 10 newborns with gram negative sepsis before and after exchange transfusion with 150 ml of fresh blood per kg. Viscosity (in cP at shear rate 11.5 sec-1) of RBCs in plasma and albumin solution was significantly increased (p 0.005) before exchange transfusion when compared with the values after exchange transfusion, and to those of normal newborns and donors (X±SD):
In experimental studies, RBCs were exposed to lipid A (core of endotoxin) in vitro and in vivo. Deformability of RBCs was studied using the rheoscope which allows direct microscopic observation of flowing RBCs. 2 to 1,000 μg of lipid A per ml of RBCs produced marked rigidity even under high shear forces. Deformability of RBCs was markedly decreased in 4 of 7 rabbits after i.v. injection of 100 μg of lipid A per kg. Removal of endotoxin-loaden rigid RBCs may be involved in the beneficial effects of exchange transfusion.
Log in or create a free account to read this content
Gain free access to this article, as well as selected content from this journal and more on nature.com
or
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Linderkamp, O., Klose, H., Betke, K. et al. Effect of neonatal sepsis, endotoxin and exchange transfusion on the deformability of red blood cells. Pediatr Res 14, 1424 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198012000-00096
Issue date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198012000-00096
