#2191 Platelet function in chronic kidney disease; can flow cytometry guide in the difficult balance between risk for bleeding versus thrombotic events?

Abstract

Listen

Translate article

Abstract Background and Aims Increased risk of bleeding is a well-known complication of chronic kidney disease (CKD). However, these patients also have an increased risk of thrombotic events. Several studies have implicated both impaired and enhanced platelet function in patients with chronic kidney disease, but results vary between different studies and methods. Flow cytometry has emerged as a new method to study platelet function. Our aim was to investigate platelet function using flow cytometry in patients with chronic kidney disease. Method 20 patients were included between February and May 2023. Pre-dialytic patients with an eGFR between 8-20 mL/min/1,73 m2 were included, mean eGFR 14.7 mL/min/1,73 m2. Patients with platelet levels >100 × 109/L were included. Medication in the form of anticoagulants, NSAIDs, platelet inhibitors or SSRIs were used as exclusion criteria. Platelet activation assay was performed with flow cytometry. The expression of activation markers PAC-1 (activated GPIIb/IIIa), CD62P (P-selectin) and CD63 (dense granules) were analysed before and after activation with ADP, CRP-XL (collagen stimulating peptide, activates GPVI) or TRAP-6 (stimulates platelet activating receptor 1, PAR1). Platelets from 20 healthy control subjects were analysed for comparison. Results The level and size of platelets (MPV) were comparable in both groups. There were significantly higher levels of D-dimer in the CKD group vs healthy controls (1,17 mg/L FEU vs 0,27 mg/L FEU). Except for the decreased expression of activated GPIIb-IIIa receptor after activation with ADP and CRP-XL in one patient, the platelet activation did not significantly differ between CKD patients and healthy controls. Conclusion No significant differences in the activation of platelets were observed between the CKD population and the healthy controls when analysed by flow cytometry. Elevated levels of D-dimer in CKD patients have previously been described and are believed to be due to increased fibrin formation, lysis and decreased renal clearance. Further studies in a larger patient population, including thrombocytopenic patients are planned, with greater focus to be placed on dense granula quantities which may correlate with decreased levels in the CKD population.