Combined leukocyte and erythrocyte aggregation in the peripheral venous blood during sepsis. An indication of commonly shared adhesive protein(s).

We have used a simple slide test and image analysis to reveal the state of leukocyte and erythrocyte adhesiveness/aggregation in the peripheral blood of 28 patients with sepsis and 28 controls. A significant (P<0.00001) increment in both leukocyte and erythrocyte adhesiveness/aggregation was noted in patients compared with controls. Moreover, a significant (r=0.73, n=56, P<0.001) correlation was noted between the two adhesiveness/aggregation variables themselves, suggesting a common mechanism responsible for these adhesive phenomena. The significant correlation with fibrinogen suggests that this protein might be such a "non-specific glue." Our results indicate that a simple slide technique and image analysis can assess the aggregability of both white and red blood cells in septic patients. This might have clinical application when interventions to reduce cell aggregability are planned in order to improve blood flow in the microcirculation.