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

Objective: 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 higher in Group 2 compared to Group 1, although not statistically significant [% of healthy = 96.9 (73.2–140.1) versus 67.6 (52.5–118.8) %, p =.195]. No differences in vWF antigen levels were observed between groups. Conclusions: The results of thromboelastometry and aggregometry indicate increased contribution of platelets in clot formation in patients with a history of variceal bleeding compared to cirrhotic patients who never bled. Comparable effectiveness of hemostasis in both groups is most likely associated with the compensatory role of platelets. Increased platelet activity in this group of patients is probably due to a mechanism independent of the von Willebrand factor antigen level.