[Platelet function analysis with point-of-care methods].
BACKGROUND
More and more patients are treated with antiplatelet drugs today. In this context a sufficient inhibition of platelet aggregation, on the one hand, is of essential importance to the efficiency of prophylaxis of myocardial and cerebral infarction and to avoiding thrombosis of drug-eluting stents. On the other hand, this medication can result in an increased risk of perioperative bleeding. In both situations control of the efficiency of therapy or rather the assessment of the impairment of hemostasis is of vital importance.


METHODS
Platelet function analyzer (PFA-100), multiple platelet function analyzer (Multiplate), and rotational thrombelastometry (ROTEM) are reliable and easy to use point-of-care (POC) devices. Since these three analyzers monitor different aspects of platelet function and have different limitations, the selection of the right test system depends on the right question.


RESULTS
PFA-100 enables a sensitive detection of von Willebrand's syndrome. Multiplate is apt to control efficiency of platelet inhibiton with acetylsalicylic acid, clopidogrel and glycoprotein IIb/IIIa receptor antagonists. ROTEM analysis offers the opportunity to assess hemostasis as a holistic system. Thereby, ROTEM analysis particularly detects hyperfibrinolysis, heparin effects, and fibrinogen-platelet interaction.


CONCLUSIONS
Due to their easy handling the described POC devices are applicable to perioperative coagulation management as well as during and after coronary intervention or to monitoring of platelet function in cardiologic practice. They enable a quick assessment of platelet function and an individually guided therapy.
Görlinger
Klaus
K
Klinik für Anästhesiologie und Intensivmedizin, Universitätsklinikum Essen, Essen, klaus@goerlinger.net.
Jambor
Csilla
C
Dirkmann
Daniel
D
Dusse
Fabian
F
Hanke
Alexander
A
Adamzik
Michael
M
Hartmann
Matthias
M
Philipp
Sebastian
S
Weber
Artur-Aron
AA
Rahe-Meyer
Niels
N
D004305:Dose-Response Relationship, Drug; D004334:Drug Administration Schedule; D006331:Heart Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006470:Hemorrhage / Q000139:chemically induced* / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000517:prevention & control*; D006801:Humans; D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors / Q000008:administration & dosage* / Q000009:adverse effects*; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D019095:Point-of-Care Systems; D013927:Thrombosis / Q000517:prevention & control*
D010975:Platelet Aggregation Inhibitors