Bleeding due to needle biopsy: effect of venopirin in an animal model and implications for humans.
OBJECTIVE
This study was undertaken to address the effect of platelet dysfunction on bleeding associated with percutaneous needle biopsy.


METHODS
With use of an established animal model, 199 biopsies were performed on the livers of 13 anesthetized pigs (95 on control animals, 104 on venopirin-treated animals). The needles used were 16-22-gauge Chiba type, 18-gauge Tru-Cut, and 18-gauge Menghini. The biopsies were performed under direct vision at laparotomy with consistent technique. Blood loss was measured, and the results were compared. Statistical analysis was performed with the Student t test and the Turkey test, after logarithmic transformation of the data.


RESULTS
A substantial increase in blood loss resulting from the biopsy procedures was demonstrated in the animals with platelet dysfunction. This was much greater than the effect of either needle size or prothrombin time prolongation previously reported by the authors.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet function may be an important factor in determining the risk of bleeding due to percutaneous needle biopsy.
Gazelle
G S
GS
Department of Radiology, Case Western Reserve University, Cleveland, Ohio.
Haaga
J R
JR
Rowland
D Y
DY
D000818:Animals; D001241:Aspirin / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D001707:Biopsy, Needle / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000097:blood / Q000209:etiology*; D006801:Humans; D008099:Liver / Q000473:pathology*; D008239:Lysine / Q000031:analogs & derivatives* / Q000494:pharmacology; D009339:Needles; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D013552:Swine
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors; D008239:Lysine; D001241:Aspirin; C010395:acetylsalicylic acid lysinate