RESUMO
Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and plasma viscosity (PV) are non-specific indices for screening, diagnosis and follow up to some disease. This prospective study of ESR and PV reports on 21 patients of pulmonary tuberculosis and 45 healthy. The mean and standard deviation of ESR in diseases and healthy were 80.1+35.4 and 11+7 mm/hr compared with PV 2.07+0.17 and 1.69+0.07 mPaS. After three months of complete treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis in six patients, the ESR returned from 69.2+25.9 to 21.3+16.8 mm/hr, the PV returned from 2.08+0.22 to 1.75+0.15 mPaS. Both tests gave good result in supporting diagnosis and follow up, however the PV is probably superior to ESR because of better quality control and precision, longer plasma reservation in room temperature. It is recommended that PV may have a role in clinical practice as well as ESR.
RESUMO
Plasma viscosity estimation is the test which reflects the progress of various certain diseases. This test is more sensitive and more reliable than the erythrocyte sedimentation rate. In this study, plasma viscosity was determined in 175 health subjects with the ages ranging from 15 to 70 years. Ninety-two subjects were males and 83 females. The normal range of plasma viscosity was 1.51-1.79 mPa.S at 25 oC (mean = 1.65 mPa.S). The mean values of plasma viscosity in male and female were 1.64 and 1.67 mPa.S respectively. There was no statistical significant difference in plasma viscosity among both sex.