[Hemorheological disorders linked to alcoholism].

Haemorheological parameters were studied in 138 alcoholic subjects at different stages of the liver disease, compared to non alcoholic liver diseases and controls. Results showed 1) a decrease in whole blood filterability in the three groups of alcoholic patients associated with a decrease in erythrocyte ATP level, 2) an increase in blood and plasma viscosities, 3) morphological alterations visualized by scanning electron microscopy. These disturbances are correlated to the abnormalities of red cell membrane lipids composition: increase in cholesterol/phospholipids ratio, increase in saturated fatty acids and decrease in polyunsaturated fatty acids (arachidonic and linoleic acids). The responsibility of alcohol itself, in the genesis of these disturbances has been demonstrated by acute alcohol drinking experiments in healthy subjects.