PLASMA PROTEIN CHANGES AND SUSPENSION STABILITY OF THE BLOOD IN LOBAR PNEUMONIA

Abstract

The total plasma protein and albumin fraction were usually decreased while the plasma globulin and fibrinogen fractions were usually increased during the acute stage. A rapid de crease in the suspension stability of the blood was ob served early in the febrile period. The return of the plasma proteins and the sedimentation time of erythrocytes to normal values was accomplished in variable periods of time during convalescence. There was a close correlation between the suspension stability of the blood and plasma viscosity. There was usually but not always a correlation between the plasma protein fractions and the sedimentation time. A relationship of the plasma protein changes and suspension stability to the gradual resolution of the pneumonic process during convalescence was suggested.