Potential contributions of normal and abnormal RBCs to arterial and venous thrombosis/thromboembolism. Here, we review the above mechanisms of RBC contribution to hemostasis.įigure 1. Finally, blood clot structure and maturation are dependent on the inclusion of RBCs in forming thrombi. Additionally, RBCs generate microparticles which have been shown to reduce clotting time. RBC surface interactions govern signaling between platelets and RBCs and also aid in the conversion of prothrombin to thrombin. Of note, morphologic pathology, such as that found in sickle cell disease, leads to increased risk of thrombotic disease. First and foremost, RBC biomechanics are the principal determinant of viscosity and flow dynamics of blood, which strongly influence all features of hemostasis. Red Blood Cells (RBCs) have been increasingly recognized to play important roles in hemostasis and the mechanisms by which they do so continue to be elucidated. 2Division of Pediatric Critical Care Medicine, The Center for Blood Oxygen Transport and Hemostasis, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, United States.1Division of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, Oregon Health and Sciences University, Portland, OR, United States.