[Platelet aggregation and various coagulation parameters in liver cirrhosis]

Twenty eight patients affected by liver cirrhosis were studied in comparison with 44 control subjects, matched for age. The following parameters were carried out: a) platelet aggregation (by Born's method) induced by increasing concentrations of ADP and epinephrine; b) PF3 ( Spaet - Cintron method) and antithrombin III, aPTT, prothrombin ratio, fibrinogen, platelet count. Platelet aggregation and availability of PF3 are lower in cirrhotic patients, suggesting an intrinsic defect of platelets. Moreover prolongation of aPTT and prothrombin ratio, lower levels of antithrombin III, fibrinogen and platelet count were detected.