Platelet function and antiplatelet therapy.
BACKGROUND
Platelets have roles other than haemostasis and many are relevant to surgical practice. This review examines both the pathophysiology of platelets in haemostasis and thrombosis, and other roles of clinical importance.


METHODS
A literature review of the various functional roles of platelets was performed (Medline search, English language) including their action in inflammation (in particular in atherothrombosis), antimicrobial defence and tumour growth. Current clinical evidence for antiplatelet therapy is also reviewed.


CONCLUSIONS
Platelet functions are multiple, complex and not limited to haemostasis. Understanding of platelet pathophysiology continues to grow and this is relevant to many aspects of surgical practice, particularly the clinical use of antiplatelet therapy.
Troxler
M
M
Leeds Vascular Institute, The General Infirmary at Leeds, Great George Street, Leeds LS1 3EX, UK. maxtrox@supanet.com
Dickinson
K
K
Homer-Vanniasinkam
S
S
D050197:Atherosclerosis / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000187:drug effects / Q000473:pathology / Q000502:physiology*; D006487:Hemostasis / Q000502:physiology; D006801:Humans; D015212:Inflammatory Bowel Diseases / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000097:blood* / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000503:physiopathology; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000494:pharmacology*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors