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Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
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The PLAT Study: a multidisciplinary study of hemostatic function and conventional risk factors in vascular disease

M Cortellaro1, C Boschetti, E Cofrancesco

  • 1Instituto di Medicina Interna, Milan University, Ospedale Policlinico, Italy.

Atherosclerosis
|October 1, 1991
PubMed

Insights

Hemostatic factors like fibrinogen and FVIII:C are linked to conventional risk factors in ischemic disease. These factors may worsen outcomes in patients with atherothrombotic events.

Area of Science:

  • Cardiovascular Medicine
  • Hematology
  • Epidemiology

Background:

  • Ischemic diseases, including coronary, cerebral, and peripheral atherosclerotic conditions, pose significant health challenges.
  • Understanding the interplay between hemostatic variables and conventional risk factors is crucial for managing atherothrombotic events.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the relationship between hemostatic variables, traditional risk factors, and atherothrombotic complications in patients with ischemic disease.
  • To explore how hemostatic factors might influence or amplify the impact of conventional risk factors.

Main Methods:

  • A multidisciplinary, multicenter study involving 953 patients (≤69 years) with documented atherosclerotic disease.
  • 24-month follow-up including laboratory assays (hemostasis, lipids), arterial Doppler, CT/MRI, exercise ECG, and coronary angiography.

Main Results:

  • Fibrinogen showed positive correlations with antithrombin III and leukocytes, and negative correlation with HDL-cholesterol.
  • Heavy smokers exhibited higher leukocyte counts, triglycerides, and lower HDL-cholesterol compared to non-smokers.
  • Elevated FVIII:C, FVII, fibrinogen, and von Willebrand factor antigen (vWF:Ag) were observed in myocardial infarction survivors with cerebrovascular and peripheral vascular lesions.

Conclusions:

  • Hemostatic factors appear to play a significant role in the development and progression of atherothrombotic ischemic events.
  • These hemostatic variables may mediate or potentiate the effects of established risk factors, highlighting potential therapeutic targets.

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