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Platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) are elevated in diabetic patients with chest pain
M E Carr1, A Krishnaswami, E J Martin
1Departments of Internal Medicine and Pathology, McGuire VA Medical Center and Virgina Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298-0230, USA. mcarr@hsc.vcu.edu
Insights
Diabetic patients with chest pain show increased platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM). These findings suggest altered platelet function in diabetes, warranting further clinical investigation.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Medicine
- Hematology
- Diabetology
Background:
- Diabetes mellitus is associated with altered platelet function and clot structure.
- Previous observations indicated elevated platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) in chest pain patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare PCF, CEM, and platelet aggregation in diabetic chest pain patients, non-diabetic chest pain patients, and asymptomatic controls.
Main Methods:
- Measurements of PCF, CEM, and collagen-induced whole blood aggregation were performed.
- Study included 100 chest pain patients (26 diabetic) and 25 asymptomatic controls.
Main Results:
- Diabetic chest pain patients exhibited significantly elevated PCF compared to controls.
- CEM was significantly higher in diabetic patients than in non-diabetic patients and controls.
- Collagen-induced platelet aggregation was decreased in diabetic chest pain patients versus controls.
- Diabetic patients with HbA1c > 7% showed the highest PCF values.
Conclusions:
- Platelet contractile force and clot elastic modulus are elevated in diabetic patients presenting with chest pain.
- These laboratory findings suggest potential implications for cardiovascular risk in diabetic patients, requiring further clinical validation.
Aims:
Platelet function and clot structure may be altered in diabetes. We have noted increased platelet contractile force (PCF) and clot elastic modulus (CEM) in patients presenting to the emergency department with chest pain. Twenty-six of the chest pain patients were diabetic. Here, we compare the PCF, CEM and platelet aggregation in diabetic chest pain patients, non-diabetic patients with chest pain and asymptomatic controls.
Patients And Methods:
PCF, CEM and collagen whole blood aggregations were measured in 100 chest pain patients and 25 asymptomatic controls.
Results:
Platelet concentrations for diabetic patients, non-diabetic patients and controls were identical. PCF was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated in diabetic chest pain patients (9.42 +/- 0.59 kdynes) vs. controls (7.40 +/- 0.32 kdynes). CEM in diabetic patients (29.96 +/- 2.19 kdynes/cm2) was significantly elevated relative to that in non-diabetic chest pain patients (25.22 +/- 0.84 kdynes/cm2) and normal controls (23.18 +/- 0.74 kdynes/cm2). Collagen-induced whole blood aggregation was decreased (P < 0.05) in diabetic chest pain patients vs. controls. PCF values (10.23 +/- 0.76 kdynes) in diabetic patients with haemoglobin A1c > 7% were higher than in any other group.
Conclusion:
PCF and CEM are elevated in diabetic chest pain patients. The significance of these laboratory findings awaits additional clinical studies.