[Studies on plasma beta-thromboglobulin, thromboxane A2, prostaglandin I2 concentration and platelet count in liver diseases].

We measured blood platelet count and plasma beta-thromboglobulin concentration in 67 patients with acute or chronic liver diseases. Plasma TXB2 and 6-keto-PGF1a concentration were also measured in these patients. The results showed that blood platelet count of less than 100 x 10(9)/L was found in 14% of the patients with acute hepatitis, 23% with chronic hepatitis, 67% with hepatic cirrhosis but without splenectomy and 40% with primary liver carcinoma. Platelet count is lowest in patients with hepatic cirrhosis without splenectomy but normal in patients with hepatic cirrhosis after splenectomy. Plasma beta-TG concentration increased in patients with acute or chronic liver diseases. A negative correlation was found between beta-TG concentration and platelet count in chronic liver diseases. It is suggested that platelet is in activated state in vivo and this may be one of the important reasons for both decrease of platelet count and impairment of platelet function. Plasma TXB2 concentration increased in chronic liver diseases, while plasma 6-keto-PGF1a concentration decreased. The balance between TXA2 and PGI2 is upset; this may be an important mechanism for activation of platelets in vivo.