Platelet activation, fibrinolytic activity and circulating immune complexes in Raynaud's phenomenon

Circulating immune complexes (CIC), platelet activation and fibrinolytic activity were assessed in 133 patients with Raynaud's phenomenon (RP), 41 with primary RP, 73 with secondary RP and 19 with RP and minor symptoms of connective tissue disease (suspected secondary RP). Increased levels of CIC were found in secondary and suspected secondary RP. In those groups spontaneous platelet aggregation also was found, a percentage of which correlated with levels of CIC. In all groups elevated levels of beta-thromboglobulin, a platelet specific protein released during platelet activation, and decreased levels of alpha 2-antiplasmin, the main inhibitor of fibrinolysis, were found, together with hyperfibrinogenemia.