Erythrocyte aggregation in relation to diabetic retinopathy

Abstract

Erythrocyte aggregation, plasma fibrinogen concentrations and serum protein fractions have been studied in 19 diabetic patients without retinopathy, 18 patients with retinopathy and 41 non-diabetic controls. - Significant differences in the parameters were observed between diabetics and controls. The differences between the diabetics with and without retinopathy were not significant. - The role of abnormal erythrocyte aggregation in the development of diabetic retinopathy is discussed. - Striking parallels were found with similar findings concerning platelet aggregation in diabetics. © 1973 Springer-Verlag.