| Abstrakt: |
Sedimentation properties of leukocytes was measured with a new, simple and reproducible method. The increment of leukocyte concentration was determined in the upper 100 mm section of the sedimentation blood column after one hour gravity sedimentation of the whole blood. The result (leukocyte antisedimentation rate, LAR) was expressed in percentage of the original, presedimentation leukocyte concentration. Blood samples taken from 35 healthy adults were investigated and 12.5% and 17.4% increments were found in total leukocyte count and in granulocyte concentration respectively in the upper half of the sedimentation blood column. The mean coefficient of variation of LAR measurements was 3.2% LAR was found significantly higher in a mixed group of patients than in healthy controls. The sedimentation properties of leukocytes were in significant correlation with leukocyte adherence (p < 0.01), with whole blood viscosity, hematocrit, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (each p < 0.05) when blood samples of healthy individuals and postoperative intensive care patients were analysed in combination. In vitro pre-treatment of patients' blood samples with prednisolone and lidocaine resulted in a significant diminishment of LAR in a concentration dependent manner. |
