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Thromb Haemost 1974; 32(02/03): 502-509
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1647718
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH

The Prediction of Post-operative Deep Vein Thrombosis, Using a Newly Described Test of Platelet Function

J. B King
1   Departments of Medicine and Surgery, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
,
S. N Joffe   *
1   Departments of Medicine and Surgery, University of Cape Town and Groote Schuur Hospital, Cape Town, South Africa
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received: 25 June 1974

Accepted: 30 August 1974

Publication Date:
24 July 2018 (online)

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Summary

Using a newly described test of platelet function which measured the ability of platelets washed free of plasma to generate thrombin in vitro, a study was made of patients undergoing surgery. Samples of platelets were taken before and immediately after operation in 27 cases. In 10 cases there was a significant increase in thromboplastin generation by these washed platelets, and 8 of these cases developed postoperative deep vein thrombosis. In a further 17 cases both pre- and post-operative tests were within the normal range, and only 2 of these cases developed deep vein thrombosis. It is thought that this test makes use to a significant degree of the throm- boplastic properties of the platelet surface, and it is suggested that alteration in these surface properties during operation may be, to some extent, responsible for the deep vein thrombosis in the post-operative period.

* Present address: Department of Surgery, H ammersmith Hospital, Ducane St, London.


 

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