Platelet Function Parameters In Diabetic Patients

Abnormalities in platelet function tests have already been described in diabetic patients reflecting platelet hyperreactivity. An attempt to determine which of the tests seemed to be more affected in the diabetic population was done in a group of 34 diabetic patients (20 men and 14 women, age range 15-76). The tests performed included assay of Ristocetin Cofactor (McFarlane et al.) circulating platelet aggregates (CPA) (Wu-Hoak) and platelet aggregation induced by ADP in low concentration (0.6 x 10^-6M) and Bovine Factor VIII (0.001 U/ml). In matched controls only 3.5% had a positive aggregation induced by Bovine F VIII and with ADP (0.6 x 10^-6M% ) the extent of maximum aggregation was 30%.

In 15 of the 34 patients (44%) aggregation induced by ADP in high dilution was greater than 50% and this was the test more frequently affected. The level of Ristocetin Cofactor was increased (>160%) in 12 of 34 patients (35%) and aggregation induced by BF VIII was positive also in 12 patients (35%). The detection of CPA was positive in 9 patients (26%). Two patients had spontaneous platelet aggregation and in them all the other tests performed were also positive. Three patients had 3 of the tests altered, and 11 patients only had 2 affected tests.

The assay more affected was the ADP induced aggregation followed by the Ristocetin Cofactor levels and BF VIII induced aggregation. The test less affected was the CPA. A correlation with clinical data will be mentioned.