# Evaluation of Changes in Hemorheological Variables in Multiple Sclerosis Patients

## TL;DR

This paper reviews studies on how blood flow properties change in multiple sclerosis patients, suggesting these changes may contribute to disease progression.

## Contribution

The study compiles and analyzes hemorheological changes in MS, highlighting their potential role in disease pathology.

## Key findings

- MS patients show increased blood viscosity compared to healthy individuals.
- Reduced cerebral blood flow and volume correlate with worsening physical disability in MS.
- Hemorheological changes may contribute to MS progression, but more human studies are needed.

## Abstract

Background: Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a neurodegenerative condition primarily
attributed to immune system dysregulation. However, emerging evidence suggests
that additional factors, such as neurodegeneration independent of immune
processes, may also contribute to MS pathology. Given the significant cerebral
hypoperfusion observed in MS patients from the early to advanced stages of the
disease, investigating hemorheology or blood rheology, which involves studying
blood flow properties and plasma protein compounds, can contribute to
understanding the underlying pathology of MS. This study aims to evaluate
changes in hemorheological variables in MS patients, which may offer a better
understanding of the disease’s progression and its impact on blood flow
dynamics.Materials and Methods: In this study, we assessed the modifications in
key factors impacting hemorheology in articles related to MS. Some keywords
including MS, Blood Viscosity, Hemorheology, and brain perfusion were searched
in PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus. The searches were limited to studies
published in English languages from 2000 to 2023. Results: Among the 110
articles found in the search, finally, 35 articles were included in the review.
In some studies, patients with MS were examined for rheological blood properties
and demonstrated an appreciable increase in blood viscosity. Furthermore,
declines in cerebral blood volume and cerebral blood flow in MS are linked to
the deterioration of physical disability. In our investigation, we focused on
the key factors influencing hemorheology and examined their variations in the
articles about patients with MS. Conclusion: The reduction of tissue blood
perfusion caused by changes in blood hemorheology can be considered as one of
the causes of the development or exacerbation of MS, but to estimate
hemorheological changes in MS, we need to conduct more detailed studies on
humans, which we hope will provide new solutions for the therapists of this
disease.