The Effects of Desflurane on Human Platelet Aggregation In Vitro

Abstract

In view of the possible antiplatelet effects of general anesthetics, we investigated the in vitro effects of desflurane, a new inhalation agent, on platelet aggregation. For 15 patients who underwent elective operations, blood was sampled with desflurane induction before and after anesthesia but prior to surgery so that platelet aggregation in the drawn blood could be tested before desflurane anesthesia and again after exposure to the anesthetic. Platelet aggregation was measured with a whole-blood aggregometer. Adenosine diphosphate (ADP), collagen, and ristocetin were used as aggregating agents. Our results showed that aggregation in response to ADP, collagen, or ristocetin was not inhibited in patients who received desflurane anesthesia. This study with an in vitro model showed that desflurane had no influence on platelets in clinically relevant doses.

Effect of Inhalation Anesthetics on Tumor Metastasis

“…153 Further studies have shown that halothane, [154][155][156] isoflurane, [157][158][159] and desflurane 154 have antiplatelet activity, which may inhibit tumor metastasis to some extent. Paradoxically, under different experimental conditions, these inhaled anesthetics have no effect on platelets 160 or even the opposite effect. 161 Therefore, there is still much work to be done on the effects of inhalation anesthesia on platelet function in tumor research.…”