Thromb Haemost 1983; 49(02): 123-127
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1657336
Original Article
Schattauer GmbH Stuttgart

Platelets, Coagulation and Fibrinolysis in Patients with Diabetic Retinopathy

A M V Brooks
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
,
S Hussein
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
,
C N Chesterman
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
,
J F Martin
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
,
F P Alford
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
,
D G Penington
The University of Melbourne, Departments of Medicine, St. Vincent's Hospital, and Ophthalmology, Royal Victorian Eye and Ear Hospital, Melbourne, Australia
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received 19 October 1982

Accepted 08 February 1983

Publication Date:
18 July 2018 (online)

Summary

Twenty control subjects, 12 insulin treated and 10 non-insulin treated diabetics were studied. All diabetics had retinopathy documented by fluorescein angiography and fluorophotometry. Factor VUIRiAg and plasma fibrinogen concentrations were elevated in both diabetic groups, but more so in the insulin treated patients. Within this latter group the plasma fibrinogen was also correlated with the degree of retinopathy.

Platelets separated on linear isosmolar Percoll gradients showed an increase in intraplatelet βTG content and concentration and a slight increase in volume of the lightest platelets in the insulin treated diabetics. Plasma platelet factor 4 and antithrombin III concentrations were normal and plasma βTG levels were elevated only in those patients with renal insufficiency. Platelet aggregometry was performed in 18 diabetic subjects and found to be normal.

It is concluded that abnormalities of coagulation and platelets in diabetes are determined by metabolic factors rather than the severity of microvascular disease per se.

 
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