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Hyperviscosity Syndrome


Overview of Hyperviscosity Syndrome

overview

Hyperviscosity syndrome refers to the clinical sequelae of increased blood viscosity. Increased serum viscosity usually results from increased circulating serum immunoglobulins and can be seen in Waldenstr?m macroglobulinemia and multiple myelom.
Mortality is related to the underlying cause of the hyperviscosity syndrome.
Sex. Noinformation is available regarding the incidence of hyperviscosity syndrome. Little information is available regarding the age of patients with hyperviscosity syndrome. Most blood dyscrasias are not diagnosed until the seventh decade of life.


Causes of Hyperviscosity Syndrome

causes

Viscosity is the property of fluid to resist flow. As serum proteins increase, the blood becomes more viscous, leading to the clinical symptoms of hyperviscosity syndrome.
The normal relative serum viscosity ranges from 1.4-1.8 units. Symptoms usually are not seen at viscosities of less than 4 units, and the hyperviscosity syndrome typically requires a viscosity greater than 5 units.
Hyperviscosity syndrome is associated most commonly with plasma cell dyscrasias and is due to the large size of the excess immunoglobulin M (IgM) paraproteins in these disorders. Waldenström macroglobulinemia is the most common cause. Rarely, the disease can occur in multiple myeloma (especially with myeloma proteins of the IgA and IgG types) or connective tissue diseases.

Signs and Symptoms of Hyperviscosity Syndrome

signs and symptoms

Confusion and mental status changes result from the increased viscosity of the blood and decreased cerebral blood flow. This sludging leads to segmental dilatation of retinal veins and retinal hemorrhages. Mucosal bleeding may occur from prolonged bleeding time caused by myeloma proteins interfering with platelet function.



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Medical Content Last Updated on 07/12/2008

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