Related Experiment Video
Updated: Feb 16, 2026
09:37
Invasive Hemodynamic Characterization of the Portal-hypertensive Syndrome in Cirrhotic Rats
Published on: August 1, 2018
15.5K
Platelet Count Does Not Predict Bleeding in Cirrhotic Patients: Results from the PRO-LIVER Study
S Basili1, V Raparelli2, L Napoleone2
1Department of Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, Sapienza University of Rome, Rome, Italy.
The American Journal of Gastroenterology
|December 20, 2017
Summary
In cirrhotic patients, low platelet counts do not predict bleeding events. Previous gastrointestinal bleeding and encephalopathy are key predictors of bleeding in cirrhosis.
Area of Science:
- Hepatology
- Hematology
- Clinical Medicine
Background:
- Thrombocytopenia is common in cirrhosis and often considered a bleeding risk factor.
- The precise relationship between platelet count and bleeding in cirrhotic patients remains unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet count and major or clinically relevant nonmajor bleeding events in cirrhotic patients.
- To identify independent predictors of bleeding in this population.
Main Methods:
- A prospective follow-up study of 280 cirrhotic patients over approximately 4 years.
- Analysis included Cox proportional hazard models to assess predictors of bleeding events.
Main Results:
- Platelet counts decreased with liver disease severity but were similar in patients with or without bleeding events.
- Previous gastrointestinal bleeding and encephalopathy were identified as independent predictors of overall bleeding events.
- Prothrombin time-international normalized ratio was slightly higher in patients with bleeding.
Conclusions:
- Platelet count is not a reliable predictor of unprovoked major or minor bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.
- Clinical factors like prior gastrointestinal bleeding and hepatic encephalopathy are more significant predictors.
Related Concept Videos
01:26Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Drug Dosing and Hepatic Blood Flow
257
Chronic liver disease significantly impacts drug metabolism due to alterations in hepatic blood flow and enzyme accessibility. This disruption affects the body's pharmacokinetics—the movement and processing of drugs within the system. Key enzymes crucial for metabolizing medications become less accessible, changing how drugs are processed and utilized. Furthermore, liver disease influences the synthesis of plasma proteins, such as albumin and globulins, which play critical roles in drug...
257
01:24Disorders of Hemostasis
2.3K
Hemostasis, the process that stops bleeding after a blood vessel injury, is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the circulatory system. However, disorders of hemostasis can disrupt this delicate balance, leading to either excessive clotting or bleeding. These disorders can be broadly classified into thromboembolic disorders and bleeding disorders.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
Thromboembolic Disorders
Two factors primarily cause thromboembolic conditions.
2.3K
01:22Effect of Hepatic Disease on Pharmacokinetics: Pathophysiologic Assessment and Liver Function Test
212
In clinical practice, the direct measurement of hepatic blood flow to evaluate liver function presents significant challenges due to the intricate and specialized nature of the necessary techniques. Consequently, healthcare professionals often rely on empirical estimates derived from thorough patient examinations and liver function tests to gauge liver health. Among the tools at their disposal, the Child–Pugh and MELD scoring systems stand out for their ability to categorize and assess...
212
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
3.8K
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
3.8K
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
9.6K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
9.6K
01:20Antiplatelet Drugs: Prostaglandin Synthesis, P2Y12 and Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Inhibitors
1.3K
Antiplatelet drugs emerge as frontline defenders against the insidious threat of thromboembolic diseases, where abnormal clots obstruct vital blood vessels. These drugs stand as bulwarks, inhibiting platelet aggregation and clot formation, thereby mitigating the risk of life-threatening conditions like myocardial infarction, coronary artery disease, and thrombotic strokes.
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
Prostaglandin synthesis inhibitors, exemplified by the widely known aspirin, wield their power by irreversibly acetylating...
1.3K