Original Article: Changes in Platelet Function, von Willebrand Factor and Factor VIII in Patients Undergoing Aorto-bifemoral By-pass with Dacron Grafts

Platelets play a major role in the development of patency complications in vascular grafts. The aim of this study was to evaluate changes in platelet count and function, and also in factor VIII:C (FVIII:C) and von Willebrand factor (vWF) plasma levels, induced by aorto-bifemoral by-pass with Dacron grafts in seven patients. Platelet count, platelet aggregate ratio (PAR), and platelet aggregability induced by several stimuli, as well as FVIII:C and vWF plasma levels were evaluated before and on days 1,4,9 and 11 after surgery. We observed a mild thrombocytopenia on day 1, followed by a progressive increase in platelet count, which attained a relative thrombocytosis on the 11th day. PAR did not vary significantly during the whole observation period. Platelet aggregation, assayed by the optical method using ADP, epinephrine, arachidonic acid, collagen and ristocetin, (decreased on days 1 and 4). Thereafter, an increase in aggregation was observed until day 11 when hyperaggregability was verified. FVIII:C and vWF peaked on the 4th day, decreasing progressively to pre-surgery values on day 11.