Evaluation of platelet aggregation in splenectomized beta-thalassemia major and intermedia patients

BACKGROUND: Platelet dysfunction may be one of the pathophysiologic complications in beta-thalassemia patients. However, the results obtained from the platelet aggregation vary in different types of β-thalassemia and among patients. OBJECTIVE: We evaluated the platelet function to determine risk of thrombosis in two groups': beta-thalassemia major (TM) and intermedia (TI). MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, platelets of 82 adult patients with beta-thalassemia (46 β-TM and 36 β-TI) who had undergone splenectomy and 85 normal healthy individuals as control were induced by collagen 10 μ g/ml, adenosine diphosphate (ADP) 20 μ M/l, arachidonic acid 500 μ M/l, and ristocetin 1500 μ g/ml. Independent t-test was used to compare the mean values using SPSS 16. P < 0.05 was taken to indicate statistical significance. RESULTS: Although a significant increase was observed in the platelet aggregation by collagen, ADP, and arachidonic acid in β-TM patients as compared with healthy controls, the β-TI patients showed no difference (P < 0.05). There was no significant alteration in response to ristocetin in β-TM but it reduced in β-TI. CONCLUSIONS: The platelet aggregation in β-TM patients is more than β-TI, both of whom splenectomized. The platelet aggregation in beta-thalassemia might be impressed by transfusion. Given these changes, thrombotic risk should be considered in beta-thalassemia patients.