Shortened platelet half-life in multiple myeloma
E Fritz, H Ludwig, W Scheithauer and H Sinzinger
Various defects in platelet function have been reported as being associated
with multiple myeloma. In 30 myeloma patients and 15 healthy controls, we
investigated platelet survival using in vitro labeling of autologous
platelets with 111indium-oxine and measuring the in vivo kinetics of the
radioisotope. Significantly shortened platelet half- life in patients
averaged 73 hours, while platelet half-life in the healthy controls
averaged 107 hours. In myeloma patients, serum levels of thromboxane B2,
beta-thromboglobulin, and platelet factor 4 were significantly elevated;
aggregation indices were within the pathological range; platelet counts and
spleen-liver indices, however, were comparable to those of the healthy
control group. No statistical correlation was found between platelet
half-life and paraprotein concentrations. Our findings suggest an
initial--so far unexplained-- intravascular process of platelet activation
and consumption that finally manifests in shortened platelet half-life. It
seems that overt thrombocytopenia develops only when the compensatory
capacity of the bone marrow finally becomes exhausted. Further studies
should be able to elucidate the pathophysiologic processes involved.
Volume 68,
Issue 2,
pp. 514-520,
08/01/1986
Copyright © 1986 by The American Society of Hematology
