Influence of aspirin on platelet count and volume in humans

Acta Haematol. 1999;101(3):140-4. doi: 10.1159/000040940.

Abstract

Platelet volume and total platelet mass are parameters of platelet activity and have become a prognostic factor in coronary heart disease. We have studied the influence of aspirin on platelet count, volume and total platelet mass in vitro and in a randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled study in 20 healthy young male volunteers in vivo. Aspirin had no influence in vitro on either platelet count, volume or mass. Repeated blood sampling during a 7-day treatment with 250 mg aspirin daily showed an increased platelet count (7.3% on day 1, 3.0% on day 2, 6.8% on day 4 and 9.3% on day 7; p < 0.01) and total platelet mass (7.2, 5.0, 8.6 and 11.5% on days 1, 2, 4 and 7, respectively, p < 0.01). Aspirin treatment without repeated blood withdrawal had no effect. These data indicate that aspirin may affect the circulating platelet mass under certain conditions.

Publication types

  • Clinical Trial
  • Randomized Controlled Trial
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Analysis of Variance
  • Aspirin / pharmacology*
  • Blood Platelets / drug effects*
  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Dose-Response Relationship, Drug
  • Double-Blind Method
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / pharmacology*
  • Platelet Count / drug effects
  • Time Factors

Substances

  • Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors
  • Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors
  • Aspirin