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Influence of aspirin on platelet count and volume in humans
S Erhart1, J H Beer, W H Reinhart
1Internal Medicine, Kantonsspital, Chur, Switzerland.
Insights
Aspirin increased platelet count and total platelet mass in healthy volunteers when blood was drawn repeatedly. This suggests aspirin may affect circulating platelet mass under specific conditions.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Pharmacology
Background:
- Platelet volume and total platelet mass are key indicators of platelet activity.
- These parameters are recognized as prognostic factors in coronary heart disease.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effect of aspirin on platelet count, volume, and total mass.
- To compare in vitro and in vivo effects of aspirin, particularly concerning repeated blood sampling.
Main Methods:
- In vitro study of aspirin's effect on platelet parameters.
- A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 20 healthy young males.
- Daily administration of 250 mg aspirin for 7 days with repeated blood sampling.
Main Results:
- Aspirin showed no in vitro effect on platelet count, volume, or mass.
- In vivo, repeated blood sampling during aspirin treatment led to significant increases in platelet count (up to 9.3%) and total platelet mass (up to 11.5%).
- Aspirin treatment without repeated blood withdrawal did not affect these parameters.
Conclusions:
- Aspirin's effect on circulating platelet mass is dependent on conditions, specifically the frequency of blood sampling.
- Repeated venipuncture may induce a thrombopoietic response in individuals taking aspirin.
Abstract:
Platelet volume and total platelet mass are parameters of platelet activity and have become a prognostic factor in coronary heart disease. We have studied the influence of aspirin on platelet count, volume and total platelet mass in vitro and in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 20 healthy young male volunteers in vivo. Aspirin had no influence in vitro on either platelet count, volume or mass. Repeated blood sampling during a 7-day treatment with 250 mg aspirin daily showed an increased platelet count (7.3% on day 1, 3.0% on day 2, 6.8% on day 4 and 9.3% on day 7; p < 0.01) and total platelet mass (7.2, 5.0, 8.6 and 11.5% on days 1, 2, 4 and 7, respectively, p < 0.01). Aspirin treatment without repeated blood withdrawal had no effect. These data indicate that aspirin may affect the circulating platelet mass under certain conditions.