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Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Platelet function in rheumatoid arthritis: arthritic and cardiovascular implications
Armen Yuri Gasparyan1, Antonios Stavropoulos-Kalinoglou, Dimitri P Mikhailidis
1Department of Rheumatology, Clinical Research Unit, Russells Hall Hospital, Dudley Group of Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (Teaching), Dudley DY1 2HQ, West Midlands, UK. a.gasparyan@gmail.com
Abstract:
Patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) are at high risk of cardiovascular events. Platelet biomarkers are involved in inflammation, atherosclerosis and thrombosis. Cardiovascular and RA-associated factors can alter the structure and function of platelets, starting from megakaryocytopoiesis. Reactive megakaryocytopoiesis increases circulating platelets count and triggers hyperactivity. Hyperactive platelets target synovial membranes with subsequent local rheumatoid inflammation. Hyperactive platelets interact with other cells, and target the vascular wall. Accumulating evidence suggests that disease modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARD) decrease platelet activity.
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