Abnormalities of platelet aggregation in the vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle-cell anemia

Abstract

An impairment in the rate and per cent of first phase platelet aggregation with ADP was present in 10 patients with sickle-cell anemia during vaso-occlusive crises, when compared to their own base-line values and those of 20 normal control subjects. ADP released from erythrocytes or platelets could have been the mediator of this platelet “refractory state” since a concomitant decrease in platelet adhesiveness during the vaso-occlusive crises was also demonstrable. The effect of the platelet on the production or maintenance of the vaso-occlusive crisis of sickle-cell anemia requires further elucidation.