Abstract
It has been reported that platelet counts decrease and plasma levels of β-TG and PF-4 increase during the initial phase of hemodialysis (HD). In order to study the effect of heparin itself on these phenomena, platelet counts, platelet volume distribution, β-TG and PF-4 were measured at 30 min after intravenous injection of 2000 units of heparin equivalent to priming dose of HD. Platelet counts were significantly decreased after 30 min of heparin injection. In platelet volume distribution, large platelet counts were significantly decreased. The plasma levels of β-TG was not changed, but that of PF-4 was significantly increased after heparin injection. These result suggest that heparin as well as extracorporeal circuration in HD affect the changes in platelet counts and plasma level of PF-4 during initial phase of HD.
