Platelet function in whole-blood donors is impaired: the effects of painkillers.
BACKGROUND
Aspirin (ASA) or non-aspirin-like nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) influence platelet (PLT) function by inhibiting cyclooxygenase enzymes. In this study, the aim was to address the use of ASA or NSAIDs before donation and the effect on PLT function.


METHODS
Donors were asked questions about recent use of ASA or NSAIDs. Furthermore, PLT function was evaluated by measurement of the closure time (CT) in a PLT function analyzer (PFA-100, Dade Behring) and by aggregometry (response to ADP or arachidonic acid [AA]).


RESULTS
Of 100 questioned donors, 22 percent had used ASA (n = 4), NSAIDs (n = 6), or paracetamol (n = 12) before donation. Upon assessment of the PLT function in the PFA-100, 27 donors showed values of greater than 180 seconds, indicative of impaired PLT function. Of these, only 7 had used pain killers before donation. Furthermore, 15 of 22 users had normal CTs. Aggregation after stimulation with AA was absent in 33 PLT-rich samples. Again only 8 had reported use of ASA (3), NSAIDs (1), or paracetamol (4). Of the 22 users, 14 had normal AA aggregation responses. All donor samples showed ADP-induced aggregation, indicating PLT integrity. There was no difference between the group of donors who reported the intake of ASA or NSAIDs and the group of donors who did not with respect to the tested PLT function assays.


CONCLUSIONS
It is concluded that there is a considerable group of donors that use PLT-influencing medication before donation. A relation between the reported use and impaired PLT function in blood donors could not be established, however. Impaired PLT function as tested may have other causes than intake of ASA or NSAIDs.
Curvers
Joyce
J
Sanquin Blood Bank Region Southeast, Maastricht, the Netherlands. j.curvers@sanquin.nl
Dielis
Arne W J H
AW
Heeremans
Judith
J
van Wersch
Jan W J
JW
D000082:Acetaminophen / Q000494:pharmacology; D000700:Analgesics / Q000494:pharmacology*; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic / Q000494:pharmacology; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000494:pharmacology; D001241:Aspirin / Q000494:pharmacology; D001782:Blood Donors / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000502:physiology*; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*; D006801:Humans; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010979:Platelet Function Tests; D011795:Surveys and Questionnaires
D000700:Analgesics; D018712:Analgesics, Non-Narcotic; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal; D016861:Cyclooxygenase Inhibitors; D000082:Acetaminophen; D001241:Aspirin