Association of platelet hyper-aggregability with leukoaraiosis.

Abstract

To investigate whether there is any relationship between leukoaraiosis and platelet hyper-aggregability of the systemic blood. Platelet aggregability, leukoaraiosis, hypertension and hematocrit were assessed in 175 consecutive out-patients attending a regular clinic. Platelet aggregability was estimated by an optical analytical method using two different concentrations each of ADP and collagen (the double ADP method). Hyper-aggregability and non hyper-aggregability were defined with this method. Patients with leukoaraiosis (73 cases) showed a significantly higher incidence of platelet hyper-aggregability than patients with no leukoaraiosis (102 cases) (90.4 vs 56.9%, P=0.000001). Leukoaraiosis was also significantly related to age. Hypertension was a less significant risk factor (P=0.023). Platelet hyper-aggregability is a significant feature in leukoaraiosis, and appears to be a more important risk factor than hypertension. Normalization of platelet hyper-aggregability might offer an alternative strategy for the prevention of leukoaraiosis in patients with platelet hyper-aggregability, although an interventional study is essential.