We tested a new system TS-4000 which simulated primary hemostasis in vitro in diabetic patients, in an attempt to examine the relationship between primary hemostasis in vitro and diabetic retinopathy and anti-platelet medication effect.
1) Initial flow rate of the blood (INF) tended to be higher in diabetics compared with normal controls, but the time until blood flow stopped (BT) was significantly shorter and blood volume flowing out (BV) was significantly smaller in diabetics than in normal controls. 2) INF was higher, BT was almost equivalent, and BV tended to be larger in diabetics who were given anti-platelet drugs compared with those who were not given anti-platelet drugs. 3) Although it was statistically insignificant, the effect of anti-platelet drugs was different between patients without retinpathy and with simple retinopathy, and patients with proliferative retinopathy. For patients without retinopathy and with simple retinopathy, INF was higher, BT was somewhat longer and BV was larger in diabetics who were given anti-platelet drugs compared with those who were not given anti-platelet drugs. For patients with proliferative retinopathy, INF was higher but BT was shorter in diabetics who were given anti-platelet drugs compared with those who were not given anti-platelet drugs, so BV was not different between treated or untreated patients.
