[Function of platelets in patients with occlusive atherosclerotic arterial disease of the lower extremities].

The platelet function as well as parameters of lipid metabolism and glucose tolerance were investigated in 30 men with occlusive atherosclerotic arterial disease of the low extremities (IIIB or IV Fontaine's stage). The platelet aggregation, platelet survival, activity of intraplatelet metabolism of arachidonic acid, radiofibrinogen binding to platelet, circulating platelet aggregates and both the activity of factor VIII and the concentration of von Willebrand factor antigen in the plasma were measured. In the majority of patients the impairment of platelet aggregation with ADP, enhancement of radiofibrinogen binding to platelets and an increase of factor VIII level in the plasma were established. There was an interrelationship between platelet dysfunction and disturbances of lipid metabolism. Platelet survival was shortened in patients with moderate hyperlipidemia and correlated with a concentration of HDL-cholesterol in the serum. The radiofibrinogen binding to platelets was the most pronounced in patients with severe hyperlipidemia and correlated with a concentration of total cholesterol in the serum. The results may suggest the potential usefulness of antiplatelet drugs in patients with occlusive atherosclerotic arterial disease.