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[Evaluation of outcome based on platelet function in elderly patients with various diseases]
Kyoko Kin1, Toshihiko Iwamoto, Masaru Takasaki
1Department of Geriatric Medicine, Tokyo Medical University.
Nihon Ronen Igakkai Zasshi. Japanese Journal of Geriatrics
|August 22, 2002
Summary
Elderly patients with increased platelet aggregation show higher mortality rates from vascular events. Accelerated platelet aggregability may indicate arteriosclerosis and warrant antiplatelet therapy for prevention.
Area of Science:
- Gerontology
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
Background:
- Platelet function is crucial in cardiovascular health.
- Understanding platelet behavior in elderly populations is vital for disease management.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between platelet function and disease outcomes in elderly patients.
- To determine if platelet aggregability predicts mortality, particularly from vascular events.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective study of 347 elderly patients (≥60 years) without initial antiplatelet therapy.
- Platelet aggregability assessed using grading curve (GC) type with adenosine-5'-diphosphate.
- Patients categorized into three groups based on GC type for survival analysis over a 3.9-year follow-up.
Main Results:
- Higher annual mortality rates observed in groups with increased platelet aggregability (7.5% in Group III vs. 2.1% in Group I).
- Vascular events were a significant cause of death, with a markedly higher rate in Group III (4.2% annually).
- Cox models showed increased GC type and diabetes as independent predictors of vascular death (HR 2.3 and 2.2).
Conclusions:
- Accelerated platelet aggregability in the elderly is associated with increased mortality, especially from vascular events.
- Elevated platelet aggregability may signify arteriosclerosis progression.
- Findings suggest potential benefits of antiplatelet therapy for elderly individuals with high platelet aggregability to prevent vascular events.