Abstract
Plasma platelet factor 4 (Pf 4) assay using the modified Fuster's method was carried out in 15 patients with hypoplastic anemia, 7 patients with idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura and 6 patients with disseminated intravascular coagulation.
(1) According to this assay method, the mean value of plasma Pf 4 level in 25 healthy subjects was 14.64+5.09% (M±SD).
(2) In cases of hypoplastic anemia with severe haemorrhage Pf 4 level was elevated from 20 to 38%.
(3) In cases of ITP with haemorrhage, Pf 4 level was decreased from zero to less than 10%.
(4) In cases of DIC with haemorrhage, Pf 4 level was markedly increased form 25 to 40%.
(5) As the platelet counts increased and bleeding symptoms relieved, Pf 4 levels returned to normal in the cases of hypoplastic anemia, ITP and DIC.
It was concluded that the plasma Pf 4 level was a useful parameter to estimate the platelet function in thrombocytopenic disorders.
