Blood platelet function abnormalities in cirrhotic patients with esophageal varices in relation to the variceal bleeding history

AbstractObjective: The study aimed at assessing the effect of thrombocytopenia and platelet function abnormalities on the occurrence of variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis.Methods: The results of impedance aggregometry, von Willebrand factor antigen level and thromboelastometry (TEM) with and without the addition of a platelet inhibitor (FIBTEM®, EXTEM® test, respectively) were compared in two patient groups: Group 1 (n = 32) – patients with moderate or large esophageal or gastric varices, who had never had symptoms of acute gastrointestinal bleeding and Group 2 (n = 26) – patients with history of variceal bleeding.Results: Standard clotting test indicated more hypocoagulable profile in Group 2 compared to Group 1. However, no differences in any TEM component were observed between groups in EXTEM® test. The contribution of platelets to clot strength was significantly higher in Group 2 than in Group 1 [PLT% = 74.2 (67.5–80.4) versus 68.8 (63.7–76.5) %; p = .039]. The aggregation index was also hig...