Epinephrine at doses used in dentistry deteriorates platelet retention rate.

Epinephrine promotes platelet aggregation through alpha 2 receptor-mediated mechanisms. In this study, the change in the platelet retention rate (PRR) was investigated before and after submucosal epinephrine injection with or without lidocaine in oral surgical patients during isoflurane-nitrous oxide anesthesia. Thirty-nine consenting patients participated in this study. Subjects were allocated in one of five groups depending on the solution injected, the diclofenac supplement, and the patients' age. PRR was measured immediately before and 5 min after epinephrine injection using a modified form of Saltzman's method. Injection of epinephrine with lidocaine deteriorated PRR, although epinephrine without lidocaine produced no PRR change. Epinephrine at doses used in routine dental practices may activate the platelet aggregating function. Dentists should keep in mind that epinephrine elicits both hemodynamic and platelet-activating effects. The latter may be of clinical importance in some situations.