Thrombocytosis following segmental duct-occluded pancreatic transplantation

The average platelet counts in our patients with functioning SPK were significantly higher during postoperative week 2 and the interval of weeks 5 through 9 compared with a matched group of KTA recipients. The thrombocyte values in the SPK group were consistently elevated above the normal range (except postoperative week 1) but less than a platelet level typically requiring therapeutic intervention (greater than 1 mil/mm3). However, because potential pathology both locally (graft pancreatitis, endothelial damage of preservation and operative trauma, diminished graft blood flow) as well as systemically (atherosclerosis, hypertension) is present in SPK patients, we consider them at high risk for thromboembolic complications and therefore support prophylaxis of post-SPK thrombocytosis with platelet inhibitors.