A study on the efficacy of a phospholipid solution in dogs with aspirin-induced thrombocytopathy

The aim of the present study was to test the haemostyptic properties of a phospholipid complex with platelet factor-3 (PF-3) activity in platelet-dependent haemostatic disorders. The substance was investigated in an animal model comprising six investigational groups (five dogs each). A thrombocytopathy was created in the dogs belonging to groups 1-5 by intravenous administration of 20 mg/kg body weight (BW) acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). Two hours later a human albumin solution (5%) (control group) or a phospholipid complex with PF-3 activity was injected or infused intravenously in different dosages. In dogs pre-treated with ASA, injection of 2 ml/kg BW of the phospholipid complex shortened capillary bleeding time, which was prolonged as a consequence of ASA-treatment. This effect lasted for 4 h at least. The capability of the platelets to aggregate increased 5 min after intravenous injection of the phospholipid without differences in the respective groups. At the same time platelet counts dropped to approximately 50%, but increased again distinctly after 30 min. When the phospholipid complex was administered to clinically healthy dogs who had not been treated with ASA, this resulted in prolongation of the capillary bleeding time as well as a significant platelet drop in the peripheral blood. Although these were only short-term effects after administration of the phospholipid complex, a disadvantageous effect cannot be excluded in patients suffering from haemorrhagic diathesis. For this reason, a phospholipid complex with PF-3 activity cannot be recommended as a therapeutic agent for platelet-dependent coagulation disorders in the dog.