Effect of hemodialysis on antithrombin III and platelet function in Egyptian patients with renal failure

ABSTRACT

Platelet aggregation induced by Adenosine Diphosphate [ADP], Antithrombin III [AT III] activity and platelet count were assessed in 20 patients suffering from renal failure and maintained on regular haemodialysis. They were measured serially at the start, the middle and the end of dialysis sessions. The three parameters were significantly lower than those of an equivalent control group at the start of dialysis. Platelet aggregation and AT III activity increased by the end of dialysis, I they were still significantly less than of the control group. Platelet count, continued to decrease throughout the dialysis and this was most evident in the dialyzer effluent line than in the affluent one. The study concluded that platelet aggregation and AT III activity should be monitored periodically in patients maintained on haemodialysis. These parameters possibly offer a predictive appraisal as such patients might be at increased risk of serious haemorrhagic or thrombotic complications