Hyperviscosity syndrome in patients with ovarian carcinoma

BACKGROUND In patients with ovarian carcinoma, an hematocrit-independent hyperviscosity syndrome is often present. The syndrome is characterized by normal or low hematocrit and hemoglobin concentration, an elevated platelet count, and an increase in clotting factor turnover. Because deep vein thrombosis (DVT) often complicates the course of ovarian carcinoma, the aim of this study was to investigate the possible association of hyperviscosity syndrome with the development of DVT. METHODS Rheologic estimations of the blood included red blood cell (RBC) aggregation (stasis and low shear), plasma viscosity (pv), blood cell count, and fibrinogen, which were performed before primary surgery and t…