Association of platelet hyper-aggregability with leukoaraiosis.
OBJECTIVE
To investigate whether there is any relationship between leukoaraiosis and platelet hyper-aggregability of the systemic blood.


METHODS
Platelet aggregability, leukoaraiosis, hypertension and hematocrit were assessed in 175 consecutive out-patients attending a regular clinic. Platelet aggregability was estimated by an optical analytical method using two different concentrations each of ADP and collagen (the double ADP method). Hyper-aggregability and non hyper-aggregability were defined with this method.


RESULTS
Patients with leukoaraiosis (73 cases) showed a significantly higher incidence of platelet hyper-aggregability than patients with no leukoaraiosis (102 cases) (90.4 vs 56.9%, P=0.000001). Leukoaraiosis was also significantly related to age. Hypertension was a less significant risk factor (P=0.023).


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet hyper-aggregability is a significant feature in leukoaraiosis, and appears to be a more important risk factor than hypertension. Normalization of platelet hyper-aggregability might offer an alternative strategy for the prevention of leukoaraiosis in patients with platelet hyper-aggregability, although an interventional study is essential.
Fujita
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S
Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Hyogo Brain and Heart Center at Himeji, Japan. fujitas@oak.ocn.ne.jp
Kawaguchi
T
T
D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D017668:Age of Onset; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D001369:Axons / Q000473:pathology; D001791:Blood Platelet Disorders / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D001794:Blood Pressure; D015140:Dementia, Vascular / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008279:Magnetic Resonance Imaging; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D012307:Risk Factors