Abstract
We have investigated platelet activity in 13 children (mean age 11 yrs.) who had one or more episodes of unexplained stroke, with arteriograms revealing medium size arterial occlusions. Six children had no associated risk factors while 7/13 had one (migraine, hyperlipldemia, mitral valve prolapse, oral contraceptives). Platelet activity was assessed using electron microscopy (whole blood TEM platelet function test) and platelet aggregometry. The TEM platelet function test snowed platelet hyperactivity in 11 of 13 subjects, with a marked shift from round or abortive forms to spread forms and increase in spontaneous platelet aggregates.
In contrast, platelet aggregometry using decreasing concentrations of ADP and epinephrine showed hypo or normo-responsiveness in the majority (11/13) of patients studied. This may reflect in vivo activated & ‘exhausted’ platelets being refractory to such agonists in vitro.
Seven of 11 children with marked platelet hyperactivity who received small doses of aspirin and persantine had normalization of platelet activity and clinical improvement. We conclude there is a relationship between platelet hyperactivity and stroke in children. Aspirin in small daily doses (80 mg) may prove useful in preventing recurrent micro infarcts.
Article PDF
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Warrier, I., Nigro, M. 948 HYPERACTIVE PLATELETS ASSOCIATED WITH STROKE IN CHILDREN. Pediatr Res 19, 268 (1985). https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00978
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1203/00006450-198504000-00978