AimThis study aimed to investigate the effect of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) on the RBCs rheological properties at the time of diagnosis and to examine their potential relationship with tumor stage.Material and MethodsWe studied 32 patients with confirmed PDAC.The aggregation and deformability of RBCs were evaluated using a LORCA.The following parameters specific to the aggregation process were estimated: the aggregation index (AI), the aggregation half-time (t1/2), and the threshold shear rate (γthr).RBC deformability expressed as erythrocyte elongation (EI), was measured from 0.3 Pa to 60 Pa shear stresses.ResultsAll measured RBC aggregation parameters among PDAC subjects differed from those in controls. The AI (P 1/2 (P 1/2, and negatively with AI and γthr.ConclusionPDAC is associated with alterations in RBC rheology behavior. Results indicated a higher tendency for RBC aggregation and aggregate stability associated with the rigidity of RBC at lower shear stress.
Wiewióra et al. (Fri,) studied this question.