Platelets and platelet function in patients with chronic uremia on maintenance hemodialysis

In 20 chronic uremic patients on maintenance hemodialysis, who were not taking any medication known to affect platelet function, the following investigations were carried out: platelet count, fibrin/fibrinogen degradation products, fibrinogen and plasminogen concentration, platelet adhesiveness, clot retraction and platelet aggregation induced by ADP, ristocetin, fibrinogen, collagen and epinephrine. The only significant abnormal result was a decreased clot retraction. We consider many cases of so-called uremic bleeding to be caused by the medication taken and conclude that on well-controlled hemodialysis treatment, bleeding tendency should not be a major problem.