The Effects of Peripheral Platelet and Leukocyte Counts on Platelet Agregation in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients

INTRODUCTION: Studies in healthy individuals andpatients with coronary artery disease have demonstratedthat circulating platelet and leukocyte counts affect plateletaggregation. The aim of our study was to investigatewhether there is such a relationship betweenleukocyte/platelet counts and platelet aggregation in endstagerenal disease patients on peritoneal dialysis (PD).METHODS: Forty-three PD patients were included in thestudy. Multiple electrode aggregometry method capable ofmeasuring platelet aggregation in whole blood was used.RESULTS: A statistically significant positive correlationbetween platelet aggregation and leukocyte and platelet countsin complete blood count (CBC) was seen. This positivecorrelation was stronger for platelets than leukocytes.DISCUSSION and CONCLUSION: Platelet and leukocytecounts in CBC in PD patients might be important on plateletaggregation. This might be another risk factor contributing toalready increased thrombosis risk in these patients.