Plasma Viscosity in Mental Deficiency and Down's Syndrome
R. D. EASTHAM M.D., D.C.P., Dipl.Path., F.C.Path.1,
J. JANCAR M.B., B.Ch., B.A.O., D.P.M.2, and
ETHEL H. L. DUNCAN M.A., B.Sc.3
1 Consultant Pathologist to the Frenchay/Cossham Group of Hospitals, Bristol.
2 Consultant Psychiatrist to the Stoke Park and Hortham-Brentry Hospital Groups, Bristol.
3 Lecturer in Medical Statistics, Department of Public Health, University of Bristol.
Plasma viscosity ratios were estimated in 632 mentally defective patients and in 115 patients with Down's syndrome. The blood samples were obtained when the patients were considered to be free from infection or other disease. In both groups the plasma viscosity was significantly increased above normal, and this increase was significantly related to the patient's age in the mentally defective group. From the evidence produced it is considered that the abnormal proteins found commonly in the serum of patients with Down's syndrome result most probably from repeated undetected attacks of infection.
Submitted on October 21, 1964
