Dynamics of platelet activation in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects during the course of an acute myocardial infarction

INTRODUCTION: The dynamics of platelet activation during the course of a myocardial infarction is unknown but of great importance in terms of risk assessment and anti-thrombotic therapy. The aim of the present study was sequentially to analyse platelet activation in diabetic and non-diabetic subjects with an acute myocardial infarction. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We used a sensitive laser light scattering technique to assess platelet aggregation as a measure of activation. Measurements were made on the first, second, third and fifth day in-hospital. Two hundred and forty-three patients with an acute myocardial infarction, of whom 48 had diabetes, were included. RESULTS: Platelet activation increased until the third in-hospital day in both diabetic and non-diabetic subjects, despite intense anti-thrombotic therapy. The activation was more pronounced in diabetic subjects from the time of hospital admission. Platelet activation tended to decrease after the third in-hospital day. CONCLUSIONS: We conclude that platelet activation increases rapidly at the onset of a myocardial infarction, despite aggressive anti-thrombotic treatment. The activation is more pronounced in diabetic subjects and tends to decrease within a few days. More targeted and effective anti-platelet therapy has the potential further to reduce cardiac and cerebral ischemic events following myocardial infarction and ongoing clinical trials are addressing this issue.