The role of red blood cell characteristics and viscosity in sickle cell retinopathy and maculopathy.

ABSTRACT: Sickle cell disease (SCD), encompassing genotypes such as HbSS and HbSC, causes chronic haemolysis and microvascular occlusion, leading to organ damage. The retina is particularly vulnerable, often resulting in sickle cell retinopathy (SCR) or sickle cell maculopathy (SCM). The precise underlying mechanisms are unclear, though various factors are suggested to contribute. This study explored the role of whole blood viscosity and red blood cell (RBC) deformability in SCR and SCM. Adult HbSS (n = 34) and HbSC patients (n = 34) were offered an ophthalmic examination to determine SCR stage. A venous ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) sample was collected from each participant. Whole blood viscosity was measured using a Brookfield viscometer and RBC deformability was assessed using the Oxyge

SUBMITTER: Brandsen RP 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12166350 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Jun

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature