Nutritional and quality changes in piglet concentrate affected by formulation and storage / Mudanças nutricionais e de qualidade no concentrado de leitões afetadas pela formulação e pelo armazenamento

The aim of this study was to evaluate the variations in the stability and nutrient concentration in concentrates for piglet feeding. Five treatments were established: T1 - Control, standard concentrate formulation (SCF); T2 - PXMore5, SCF with more 5% vitamin-mineral premix (VMP); T3 - PXLess5, SCF with less 5% VMP. All these three treatments used 400kg batches in an INTECNIAL mixer; T4 - FeedMixer, SCF using a 4,000kg batch in an IMOTO mixer; T5 - PremixMixer, SCF using a 1,200kg batch in an MUYANG mixer. For each treatment, bags of 20kg were stored in three storage places for four months where room temperature and relative humidity was recorded daily. The concentration of nutrients was evaluated through centesimal and mineral analysis. The water activity of concentrate was affected by temperature and relative air humidity in different storage places. The greatest variation in concentration of crude protein, mineral residue, copper, zinc, and selenium was due to the PremixMixer treatment. Regarding the guaranteed levels, the critical value was verified only for the chrome concentration.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as variações na estabilidade e na concentração de nutrientes em concentrados para alimentação de leitões. Foram estabelecidos cinco tratamentos: T1 - controle, concentrado com formulação padrão (CFP); T2 - PXMais5, CFP com 5% a mais de vitaminas e minerais da pré-mistura (PVM); T3 - PXMenos5, CFP com 5% a menos de PVM (todos os três tratamentos utilizaram lotes de 400kg em um misturador INTECNIAL); T4 - FeedMixer, CFP usando um lote de 4.000kg em um misturador IMOTO; T5 - PremixMixer, CFP usando um lote de 1.200kg em um misturador MUYANG. Para cada tratamento, sacos de 20kg foram armazenados em três ambientes distintos por quatro meses, onde a temperatura ambiente e a umidade relativa do ar foram registradas diariamente. A concentração de nutrientes foi avaliada por meio de análises centesimal e mineral. A atividade de água do concentrado foi afetada pela temperatura e a umidade relativa do ar nos diferentes locais de armazenamento. A maior variação na concentração de proteína bruta, resíduo mineral, cobre, zinco e selênio foi devido ao tratamento "MistPremix". Em relação aos níveis de garantia, foi verificado valor crítico apenas para a concentração de cromo.(AU)

Nutritional and quality changes in piglet concentrate affected by the mix / [Mudanças nutricionais e de qualidade no concentrado de leitão afetadas pela mistura]

The aim of this study was to evaluate the reasons of quality deviation of a concentrate from a predefined standard. Five treatments were established: T1 - Control, standard concentrate formulation (SCF); T2 - PXMore5, SCF with more 5% vitamin-mineral premix (VMP); T3 - PXLess5, SCF with less 5% VMP. All three treatments used a 400kg batches in an INTECNIAL mixer; T4 - FeedMixer, SCF using a 4,000kg batch in an IMOTO mixer; T5 - PremixMixer, SCF using a 1,200kg batch in an MUYANG mixer. For each treatment, bags of 20 kg were stored in three storage places for four months. Water activity of concentrate was affected by temperature and air relative humidity in different storage places. Regarding the kind of mixer, the greatest variation in concentration of crude protein, mineral residue, copper, zinc, and selenium was observed in the PremixMixer. Adjustments are imperative in the handling and use procedures of this kind of mixer to meet the quality requirements required in the concentrate production. Analyzing the effect of the mineral-vitamin premix level, no difference could be defined with the evaluated parameters.(AU)

O objetivo deste estudo foi avaliar as razões do desvio de qualidade de um concentrado de um padrão predefinido. Foram estabelecidos cinco tratamentos: T1 - controle, concentrado com formulação padrão (CFP); T2 - PXMais5, CFP com 5% a mais de vitaminas e minerais da pré-mistura (PVM); T3 - PXMenos5, CFP com 5% a menos de PVM. Todos esses três tratamentos utilizaram lotes de 400kg em um misturador INTECNIAL; T4 - FeedMixer, CFP usando um lote de 4.000kg em um misturador IMOTO; T5 - PremixMixer, CFP usando um lote de 1.200kg em um misturador MUYANG. Para cada tratamento, sacos de 20kg foram armazenados em três ambientes distintos por quatro meses. A atividade de água do concentrado foi afetada pela temperatura e umidade relativa do ar em diferentes locais de armazenamento. Em relação ao tipo de misturador, a maior variação na concentração de proteína bruta, resíduo mineral, cobre, zinco e selênio foi devido ao PremixMixer. Ajustes são imperativos nos procedimentos de manuseio e uso desse tipo de misturador para atender aos requisitos de qualidade exigidos na produção de concentrado. Ao se analisar o efeito do nível da pré-mistura de vitaminas e minerais, nenhuma diferença pôde ser definida com os parâmetros avaliados.(AU)

Field validation of autometallographical black silver deposit (BSD) extent in three bivalve species from the Lagoon of Venice, Italy (Mytilus galloprovincialis, Tapes philippinarum, Scapharca inaequivalvis) for metal bioavailability assessment.

The autometallographic approach was applied to three filter-feeder bivalves from differently polluted sites of the Lagoon of Venice. The area density (AD) values of black silver deposits (BSDs) were therefore seasonally quantified by image analysis in digestive cell lysosomes. Sediments were characterised in terms of grain size, organic content and metal concentrations (Cd, Cu, Ni, Pb, Zn). The physiological status of the bivalves was also evaluated by applying the "survival in air" test as a generic stress index. Chemical results showed that Zn contributed to the total metal load for more than 60% in sediments and for 85%-94% in mussel and clam digestive glands, respectively (data processed from published results obtained on the same samples). Regression analyses between extent of BSDs and both total metal and Zn concentrations in digestive gland followed a linear pattern in mussels and clams, but not in arks. Similarly, in mussels and clams only, BSD amount was significantly correlated with total metal concentrations in sediments according to a logarithmic model. Consequently, results obtained from autometallography can discriminate sites on the basis of their metal pollution levels, like chemical analyses on both sediments and digestive glands, evaluations being supported by the results of the physiological stress index. As a conclusion, it is suggested that autometallography in bivalves may provide overall estimates of metal fractions moving from sediments towards organisms through the ingestion of metal-enriched particles. Future work is needed to define the bioaccumulation model in arks and to clarify their possible use as metal biomonitors.

[Computer-aided preoperative planning of tissue expansion]. / Pianificazione preoperatoria dell'espansione tissutale supportata dal computer.

OBJECT: The aim of this paper is to introduce a computer program developed to provide objective and quantitative data useful to provide proper expander selection when a rectangular tissue expander has to be used. METHODS: The program has been developed to calculate the volume of a rectangular tissue expander to obtain the exact amount of yield necessary to allow for reconstruction of a determined defect. The only data to be supplied are the length and the width of the defect to be reconstructed. RESULTS: The accuracy of the results obtained by the computer program was tested clinically comparing preoperative data with volume measurements obtained at the end of the expansion procedure. In our study the resulting data did not show any statistically significant difference (p<0,05) between the two groups. CONCLUSIONS: In our opinion, although its use is not aimed at replacing clinical judgment based on experience and careful observation, this program may be considered a simple and useful adjunct for the inexperienced surgeon (or the occasional operator) planning to use a rectangular tissue expander.

Stable reversal of pathologic signs of primitive intestinal lymphangiectasia with a hypolipidic, MCT-enriched diet.

We report on a patient with protein-losing enteropathy due to primitive intestinal lymphangiectasia with an early reversal of clinical and biochemical signs and a stable late reversal of pathologic signs after treatment with a hypolipidic diet enriched with medium-chain triacylglycerols.

Quantitative benefits provided by acute tissue expansion: a biomechanical study in human cadavers.

The aim of this study was to test the ex vivo biomechanical properties of acutely expanded cutaneous flaps to quantitatively assess the efficacy of intraoperative tissue expansion. A total of 14 fresh male cadavers were used for the study. In each cadaver, a rectangular (15 x 8 cm), proximally based flap was designed on each side of the body, in three different locations: lateral arm, anterior thorax, anterior thigh. In each cadaver, one randomly selected flap per each body region underwent acute-intermittent expansion, whereas the contralateral flap served as control. The biomechanical properties (stress/strain ratio, mean stiffness) of both expanded and control flaps were then assessed by means of a dynamometer and a force-transducer. The obtained data showed that the biomechanical benefits provided by acute tissue expansion were statistically different (P< 0.05) from those obtained by simple subcutaneous undermining. While no changes of length have been observed in the acutely expanded skin flaps as compared to control cutaneous flaps, a statistically significant gain in the compliance of the former has been recorded as compared to the biomechanical behaviour of the latter.

Videolaparoscopic cholecystectomy induces a hemostasis activation of lower grade than does open surgery.

BACKGROUND: Tissue injury after trauma and surgery may induce alterations in blood coagulation and fibrinolysis, and the hypercoagulable state observed after surgery can be associated with the risk of postoperative thromboembolic complications. Recently, videolaparoscopic (VLPS) cholecystectomy has been introduced, and its advantages over the open procedure seem related to the reduced surgical trauma. The aim of this study was to investigate hemostatic system alterations in patients who undergo open and VLPS cholecystectomy. METHODS: Fibrinogen, prothrombin fragment F1+2, D-dimer, and plasminogen activator inhibitor type-1 (PAI-1) activity was determined in 10 patients who underwent open (group A) and 10 patients who underwent VLPS cholecystectomy (group B), respectively. Blood samples were obtained the day of surgery in the morning (B1), after anesthesia (A1), 1 hour after the start of surgery (S1), then 30 min (E.05) and 24 h (E.24) after the surgery. RESULTS: No significant differences were observed in baseline values between groups A and B for the parameters investigated. At 24 h after surgery, fibrinogen increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group A and also was significantly higher than in group B (p < 0.05). In group A, a marked increase in F1+2 levels (p < 0.01) was observed in all the samples, with the maximum values on the first day after surgery (3.7 nmol/l; 1.2-6.0 nmol/l), whereas in group B, a slight but significant increase in F1+2 levels (2.1 nmol/l; 1.1-3.9 nmol/l; p < 0.01) was observed only 30 min after the end of surgery. In both groups A and B, D-dimer markedly increased after surgery, without statistical significant differences between the two groups at any time. The PAI-1 activity plasma levels remained in the normal range during and after surgery in both groups. CONCLUSIONS: These results indicate that VLPS surgery induces an activation of the clotting system that, although of low degree and short duration, can lead to a transient prothrombotic state.

Effects of cooling micrografts in hair transplantation surgery.

BACKGROUND: When isolating hair grafts in hair transplantation procedures, it is generally recommended to preserve the grafts at a low temperature (1 degrees C- 4 degrees C) in order to enhance the survival rate of the grafted hairs. This study was carried out to test the real benefits provided by cold-storing hair grafts. OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to evaluate, in an in vitro model, the effects of cooling micrografts during hair transplantation procedures to experimentally assess the soundness of this approach to enhance the survival and growth rates of hair micrografts. METHODS: A total of 240 anagen hair follicles were obtained from 10 healthy male patients. Follicles were thus randomly assigned to one of the following groups: group A (control; n = 120 follicles), or group B (experimental; n = 120 follicles). Follicles from group A were preserved for 5 hours at room temperature (26 degrees C), and follicles from group B were preserved for 5 hours at 1 degrees C. Immediately after that 5-hour period, follicles from both groups were then cultured for 10 days. The length of each follicle was measured immediately following the 5-hour test period and at the end of the 10-day culture period. RESULTS: No statistically significant differences were found between the survival and growth rates of follicles from the control (survival rate = 87%, mean 10-day growth rate = 2.68 mm) and experimental (survival rate = 88%, mean 10-day growth rate = 2.54 mm) groups. CONCLUSION: Although, at present, it is generally assumed that lowering the metabolism of grafts by reducing their temperature may be of some utility for enhancing their survival rate, our data indicate of that there are no effects when performing hair transplantation surgery.

Ineffectiveness of acute scalp expansion.

The aim of this study was to test the ex vivo biomechanical properties of acutely expanded scalp flaps to quantitatively assess the efficacy of acute scalp expansion. A total of 14 fresh male cadavers were used for the study. In each cadaver, a rectangular (4 x 10 cm), laterally based flap was designed on each side of the scalp, starting from the superior margin of the external auditory canal. One randomly selected flap per scalp underwent acute intermittent expansion (a 3-minute expansion/3-minute rest cycle was performed three times with the maximum expansion achievable); the contralateral flap served as a control. After the expansion process, the acutely expanded flaps were measured to assess whether applied biomechanical stress caused any changes in flap dimensions. The biomechanical properties (stress/strain ratio, mean stiffness) of both expanded and control flaps were then assessed by means of a dynamometer and a force transducer. The obtained data showed that the biomechanical benefits provided by acute scalp expansion were not statistically different (p < 0.05) from those obtained by simple subgaleal undermining. No change of length nor gain in compliance was observed in the acutely expanded flaps as compared with control scalp flaps. In the authors' opinion, a possible explanation (to be further validated) for the lack of effect of acute scalp expansion might be that the inelastic galea aponeurotica did not allow mechanical creep to exploit the inherent elastic properties of the overlying scalp skin.

Two modified techniques for flexor tendon repair.

The aim of this article is to present two new techniques for digital flexor tendon repair: a modification to the conventional Kessler technique (wrap core suture) and tendon splints (H-shaped splint). These techniques were aimed at enhancing the biomechanical properties of such repairs as related to resistance to both gap formation and repair failure. Comparing (in an ex vivo study) the tensiometric properties (gap formation and failure strengths) of 24 flexor digitorum profundus tendons repaired with the described techniques (12 repairs per each technique) and the conventional Kessler repair (24 repairs), we found that the former provided significantly stronger repairs than the latter in vitro. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) was found between each of the two presented techniques and the Kessler repair. The wrap core suture increased the load at which a visible (1 mm) gap formed by 22.6 percent when compared with the conventional Kessler suture. The mean gap strength of the wrap core repair was 6.5 N, whereas that of the conventional Kessler was 5.3 N. The failure loads (ultimate strength) of the wrap core suture were 33.8 percent higher than those of the conventional Kessler. The mean breaking load of the wrap core repair was 19.4 N, whereas that of the conventional Kessler was 14.5 N. The H-splint repair increased the load at which a visible gap formed and the failure loads (ultimate strength) by 158.5 and 333.1 percent, respectively, when compared with the conventional Kessler suture. The mean gap strength of the H-splint repair was 13.7 N, and its mean breaking load was 62.8 N.

Cleft lip: a histochemical and ultrastructural analysis of lip muscles.

AIMS: In order to evaluate the pathogenesis of cleft-lip in relation to both the anatomical and structural anomalies of the mesenchymal tissues, the authors concluded that the presence of structural anomalies in the examined tissues could not explain the malformation, but might be a consequence of it. Delayed muscular development, asymmetrical distribution of the muscular fibres and their anomalous insertion suggest that the anatomical/functional loss clinically detectable in the orbicular muscle could be the result of a perinatal dysmorphological process rather than of a simple mesenchymal hypoplasia. METHODS: Schendel et al. suggested that a metabolic defect in the mitochondrial function could cause a deficiency in cell migration and proliferation responsible for the malformation in question. To establish whether the pathogenesis of the cleft-lip is associated with an alteration in mitochondrial functionality, eight patients affected by unilateral cleft-lip were subjected to a biopsy of the orbicular muscle during the course of reparative surgery. RESULTS: The results obtained showed: 1) a great variation in the size of muscle fibres; 2) the absence of ragged red fibres; 3) a normal oxidative function in the muscle fibres examined; 4) the absence of typologically significant groupings positive for myofibral ATPases. Furthermore, the morphology of the mitochondria was preserved in all cases and neither inclusions nor morphological or volumetric changes were detected. CONCLUSIONS: This preliminary data did not confirm the constant presence of mitochondrial pathology responsible for the malformation in question. In our opinion, the growth deficiency of the maxillary segment could be ascribed to the cicatrization of the surgical repair of the cleft-lip.

Anchoring galeal flaps for scalp reduction procedures.

This article describes an operative technique, based on the use of three anchoring galeal flaps, aimed at reducing the percentage of "stretch-back" that occurs after performing scalp reduction procedures. In 12 male patients undergoing a midline scalp reduction procedure, three rectangular (2 x 3 cm) galeal flaps in direct continuity with the longitudinal margin of the left scalp flap were sutured individually to the galeal undersurface of the right scalp flap to draw the two scalp flaps toward the midline of the scalp and to relieve the wound margins of closing tension. Tattoo marks were placed on the patient's scalp at the level of the vertical lines drawn through the external auditory meatuses (A1-A2) and 6 cm more posterior (B1-B2) to measure the movement and stretching of the scalp. The results were compared with those obtained from a control group of 13 male patients who underwent the same surgical procedure but without the use of the anchoring galeal flaps. Mean stretch-back (as measured 4 weeks postoperatively) at level A1-A2 was 8.3 mm in the control group and 1.6 mm in the experimental group. The mean stretch-back at level B1-B2 was 7.7 mm in the control group and 0.9 mm in the experimental group. A statistically significant difference (p < 0.005) was found between data from the control and experimental groups regarding the above-reported stretch-back values at both levels. The use of the described galeal flaps allowed us to obtain an 80.93-percent and an 88.09-percent stretch-back reduction at levels A1-A2 and B1-B2, respectively, 1 month postoperatively.

Power boosting the grafts in hair transplantation surgery. Evaluation of a new storage medium.

BACKGROUND: When performing hair transplantation procedures, it is of the foremost importance to try to obtain the maximum survival rate possible of transplanted micrografts. OBJECTIVE: Aim of this study was to evaluate, in an in vitro model, the effects of preserving micrografts, for five hours, in an enriched storage medium in order to enhance the survival rate of hair micrografts. METHODS: A total of 200 human anagen hair follicles was obtained from ten male patients. Follicles were thus randomly assigned to one of the following group: Group A (control; n = 100 follicles), preserved for five hours in saline, and Group B (experimental; n = 100 follicles), preserved for five hours in a storage medium, containing adenosine triphosphate-magnesium chloride and deferoxamine mesylate. Isolated hair follicles from both Groups were then cultured for 10 days. RESULTS: A statistically significant difference was found between the survival rate of experimental (98%) and control follicles (87%). CONCLUSION: In our opinion, a "metabolic preconditioning" of micrografts by means of storing them for 5 hours in the described medium may be of some utility in augmenting the survival rate of hair grafts when performing hair transplantation surgery.

Relation of insulin resistance to left ventricular hypertrophy and diastolic dysfunction in obesity.

OBJECTIVE: To assess relations of left ventricular (LV) geometry and function to insulin resistance in obesity-a condition associated with volume overload and abnormal LV relaxation. DESIGN: Cross-sectional relational study. SUBJECTS: 27 healthy overweight-obese subjects (18 women, body mass index (BMI) = 35.0+/-4.0 kg/m2) and 31 age-matched normal-weight controls (21 women, BMI = 22.6+/-2.4 kg/m2). MEASUREMENTS: Subjects were studied by Doppler-echocardiography the same day and hour (08.00 h) as measurements of fasting insulin and blood glucose were made. Insulin resistance was determined by the 'Homeostasis Assessment Model'. RESULTS: Twelve obese subjects with insulin resistance (IR) had higher body size than 15 patients without IR and higher blood pressure than normal-weight controls (all P < 0.01). Relative IR was related to isovolumic relaxation time. This relation was not maintained after controlling for age, blood pressure, weight and height. Isovolumic relaxation time was, however, positively related to diastolic blood pressure, a measure of load, in normal controls (r=0.44) and obese without IR (r=0.62) but not in insulin resistant subjects (r=0.14). CONCLUSION: IR does not independently influence myocardial relaxation in uncomplicated obesity, but modulates the effect of load on active diastole.

Differentiation of cows' milk intolerance and gastro-oesophageal reflux.

The aim of this study was to compare a non-invasive test of small bowel permeability with a more invasive approach involving endoscopy, mucosal biopsy, and oesophageal pH monitoring for rapidly differentiating gastro-oesophageal reflux (GOR) and cows' milk intolerance in 25 infants with persistent vomiting. Each subject underwent a cellobiose/mannitol permeability study, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy with oesophageal and small bowel biopsies, and a 24 hour pH study. Reflux disease and/or cows' milk intolerance was responsible for vomiting in 24 (96%) of the subjects. Sixteen (64%) of the infants had GOR alone, four (16%) had GOR and cows' milk intolerance, and four (16%) had cows' milk intolerance alone. Morphometric analysis of small bowel biopsies was abnormal in 19% of the patients with GOR alone and in 67% with cows' milk intolerance with or without GOR. The permeability test was abnormal in only 6% of the patients with GOR but in 100% with GOR and cows' milk intolerance and in 100% with cows' milk intolerance alone. The non-invasive permeability study aimed at rapid determination of cows' milk intolerance should pre-empt a more invasive approach in the evaluation of infants with persistent vomiting.

Same-day admission for cardiac surgery: a benefit to patient, family, and institution.

A pilot program was conducted in an effort to understand the advantages of admitting patients requiring cardiac surgery on the day of the scheduled surgical procedure. A total of 143 patients over a 4-month period were admitted on the day of surgery. Patients required repair of atrial septal defect (adult), coronary artery bypass grafts, and/or heart valve replacements. Patients, family members, and significant others verbalized positive feelings about the program. Both nurses and physicians assert that a high quality of patient care was rendered through this program. Additionally, the institution realized some financial gain by reducing the length of stay for each patient by at least 1 day.

Cytoskeleton protein composition upon platelet stimulation with thrombin in essential thrombocythemia.

BACKGROUND: Structural and functional platelet alterations are present in essential thrombocythemia (E.T.). Platelet aggregation patterns are highly variable; moreover, structural, biochemical and metabolic platelet defects have also been shown. In this study, data on function and structure of platelets from a group of patients affected with E.T. are reported. Since cytoskeleton proteins are involved in activation and aggregation mechanisms, we investigated the cytoskeleton protein composition of resting, activated and aggregated platelets using electrophoretic analysis. PATIENTS AND METHODS: Studies were performed on 13 patients affected with E.T. On the basis of their functional behavior in response to thrombin, patients were divided into two groups: T1 (5 patients) and T2 (8 patients). A group of 11 healthy subjects was examined as control. Washed platelets were stimulated with 0.05 or 0.25 U/mL thrombin in the presence or the absence of EGTA in order to obtain activated or aggregated platelets. Triton-insoluble residues of activated and aggregated platelets were electrophoresed on 4.5-15% linear gradient SDS polyacrylamide gel, visualized by Coomassie blue stain and scanned with a densitometer. RESULTS: On the basis of the response to thrombin, group T1 was composed of subjects showing completely normal functional behaviour, while group T2 included patients who were more active than controls in response to low thrombin concentrations. By comparing the densitometric data of the two groups of patients it is possible to show that cytoskeleton structures in the T2 group have a significantly higher protein content than normals and than group T1. Platelet treatment with high thrombin concentrations cancels every difference between the two groups of patients with the exceptions of a 33-Kd protein and actin, which remain higher in group T2. CONCLUSION: Abnormal platelet function and quantitative cytoskeleton protein content can be correlated in patients affected with E.T. In the platelets of those patients who display higher responsiveness to thrombin, either altered calcium homeostasis or changes in membrane viscosity leading to altered thrombin receptor expression, or both these events, could be present.

[Evaluation of various hemorheological parameters in nonagenarians: evidence of an increase of fibrinogen]. / Valutazione di alcuni parametri emoreologici in soggetti ultranovantenni: evidenza di un aumento del fibrinogeno.

Cardiovascular disease is the most frequent cause of mortality in the elderly. A reduced microvascular blood flow associated with an increase in atherosclerosis might contribute to age related increases in the incidence of ischemic vascular disease. In order to evaluate the effect of age on some haemorheological parameters, blood and plasma viscosity and fibrinogen have been measured in 10 healthy elderly subjects, aged between 88 and 96 years, compared with 15 healthy young subjects (mean age 37 years). Elderly subjects showed a significant increase in plasma fibrinogen (p less than 0.0005) and a trend to an increase in plasma viscosity, whereas no difference was present in blood viscosity. These data confirm that aging is associated with a greater deal of thrombotic risk factors, the most important of which seems to be fibrinogen.

[Evaluation of various hemorheologic parameters in diabetes mellitus]. / Valutazione di alcuni parametri emoreologici nel diabete.

It has been speculated that changes in intrinsic blood flow properties may contribute to the evolution of vascular complications in diabetes mellitus. To verify this hypothesis we measured hematocrit, fibrinogen, plasma and blood viscosity in 30 diabetic patients and in 25 healthy volunteers. Diabetics showed blood and plasma viscosity and fibrinogenemia higher than healthy subjects, although only plasma viscosity and fibrinogenemia were statistically significant (p less than 0.001). Moreover the diabetic patients with the highest HbAlc values had a significant increase in plasma viscosity compared with the patients with lower HbAlc values (p less than 0.001), despite a similar fibrinogenemia. This study confirms the presence of hemorheological changes in diabetes mellitus and shows a correlation between plasma viscosity and metabolic control.