Summary
Platelet functions and blood clotting parameters were examined in 23 patients with
a shortened platelet survival time after cardiac valve replacement.
Treatment was given at random: for a first group antivitamins K with suloctidil and
for the second group antivitamin K alone.
Six weeks of treatment with antivitamin K alone did not induce any significant change
in the platelet survival time, platelet retention or platelet factor 4 in plasma.
In contrast, the shortened platelet survival time increased significantly after 6
weeks of treatment with suloctidil. Moreover the platelet retention and the amount
of platelet factor 4 in plasma were significantly reduced, indicating that normalization
of platelet survival is the result of decreased destruction, presumably at the level
of the prosthetic surface. The clinical benefits expected from these results remain
to be validated by a longer follow up period.
Keywords
Suloctidil - Cardiac valve replacement - Platelet survival time
