CHAPTER XV 



EFFECTS ON THE BLOOD 



The effects of inanition upon the blood are of unusual interest, not only 

 because of its fundamental importance to the organism, but also on account of 

 its practical use in diagnosis. Although relatively stable, the blood is 

 found to undergo variable changes in nearly every type of inanition. The 

 effects of inanition upon the blood will first be summarized according to its 

 various components, and later considered in detail under (.4) effects of total 

 inanition and (B) effects of partial inanition. 



Summary of Effects on the Blood 



While the blood exhibits in some respects a considerable degree of stability 

 under various conditions of inanition, the available data appear so variable and 

 conflicting that a summary is unusually difficult. The variability affects chiefly 

 the blood cell counts, the structure of the cells rarely being appreciably modified. 

 The blood counts are affected primarily by the water content of the plasma, 

 which undergoes marked fluctuation under various conditions. In addition, 

 there are also frequent and extensive changes in the differential leukocyte 

 count, probably due chiefly to changes in the hemopoietic system. It is evident 

 that the number of blood cells in general will vary according to the ratio between 

 blood destruction and blood regeneration, both of which may be variably 

 affected by inanition. In interpreting the differential leukocyte count, it must 

 be remembered that any marked variation in the polymorphonuclears will 

 affect the percentage count of the other varieties, independent of their absolute 

 numbers. Other variations observed in both red and white cells may depend 

 upon the species, age, individual and the type of inanition concerned, as well as 

 (sometimes) imperfect technique and other unknown factors. The principal 

 results will be summarized briefly for the separate elements of the blood under 

 varied conditions of inanition. 



The total volume of the blood, so far as has been accurately determined, 

 although somewhat variable, tends to maintain its normal ratio to the entire 

 body. Changes in distribution, however, with diminished peripheral circulation, 

 may give a deceptive appearance of anemia in various (especially chronic) types 

 of inanition. 



The blood plasma is subject to various changes in chemical composition, 

 although for a long time its losses may be restored through absorption from the 

 various tissues. The water content undergoes marked fluctuations, which 

 affect the concentration of the blood and consequently the cell counts. Hydre- 

 mia frequently occurs, especially in later stages of inanition and in certain 



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