No abstract

A variety of platelet function tests have been performed in a series of IS diahetics (B male, 7 female). All had clinical evidence of peripheral neuropathy and some also had diabetic retinopathy. The following were measured a) Platelet survival as determined using 51Cr-labelled platelets;b) Plasma β-thromboglobulin;c) Platelet aggregate ratio;d) Malonyldialdehyde(MDA) production following the addition of thrombin or arachidonic acid to platelet-rich plasma.The tests showed widespread evidence of altered platelet function. Six patients had a reduced platelet survival time (<72 hrs), four had a reduced platelet aggregate ratio, and six had increased B-thromboglobulin levels. Seven showed abnormally high production of MDA in response to thrombin.No correlation was found between any of the tests in individual patients.These studies confirm that there is a widespread alteration in platelet function in diabetics with complications, but suggest that no single test may be used as an acceptable screening procedure.