BLOOD SCIENCES
Hyperviscosity syndrome: a complication hiding in plain sight?
David Manuel, David Norcliffe and Bernie Benson present a study of hyperviscosity syndrome, looking at its associated primary causes, along with the effects, symptoms and laboratory testing of this critical medical condition.
Plasma hyperviscosity, known as hyperviscosity syndrome (HVS), is a secondary condition which may occur in a considerable number of clinical conditions and sometimes not given the same consideration as the primary cause. The fact that it can be a consequence of a primary condition
does not reduce the importance of its effects or symptoms. Indeed, one of the initial symptoms is often identified during a routine eye examination by an optometrist. Treatment of the primary cause usually improves the HVS symptoms.
Hyperviscosity syndrome is a critical
medical condition which can present with a triad of neurological problems. It arises when the blood becomes so thick (viscous) that it cannot flow freely through the blood vessels.
This condition may occur due to an excess of red blood cells, white blood cells, or blood proteins. If left untreated, it may result in arterial blockages and diminished blood circulation to essential organs.
Causes Increases in plasma protein concentration significant enough to cause hyperviscosity can be commonly seen in: n Myeloma (specially IgA and IgM types). n Waldenstrőm’s macroglobulinaemia. n Connective tissue disorders, eg rheumatoid arthritis.
n Pneumonia n Tuberculosis n HIV n Myocardial infarction n Hypercellular leukaemias n Myeloma n Connective tissue diseases n Polycythaemia vera n Chronic hypoxia
n Paraneoplastic syndromes (when it results from the high concentrations of circulating immunoglobulins, cryoglobulins and paraproteins).
Table 1. Clinical conditions associated with hyperviscosity.
An excess of red blood cells is one of the causes of hyperviscosity syndrome, which is a critical medical condition.
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