Evaluation of acquired platelet dysfunctions in uremic and cirrhotic patients using the platelet function analyzer (PFA-100 ): influence of hematocrit elevation.

Abstract

The PFA-100 device proved to be useful for testing alterations of primary hemostasis in these acquired disorders and was sensitive enough to detect modifications in hemostasis caused by elevations in hematocrit. Conventional aggregometric tests were able to identify the intrinsic platelet abnormality in uremic and cirrhotic conditions, while the PFA-100 seemed more sensitive in detecting the negative influence of the hematocrit reduction.