Platelet aggregates and members of the fibrinolysin system in polycythemia vera patients

In 10 patients suffering from polycythemia vera, platelet aggregates were found in the circulation at a time when platelet counts were close to normal. In previous studies, we found that red-cell membrane fluidity/deformability is impaired in these patients and abnormal red-cell membranes bring about platelet aggregation. These phenomena may be involved in the thromboembolic complications of polycythemia vera patients which are major causes of death in this disorder. It is thought that platelet-aggregation inhibitors and red-cell membrane fluidity-improving and intracellular cAMP-increasing agents may be useful preventives of thromboembolic complications in polycythemia vera patients. In polycythemia vera patients, there are no abnormalities in the fibrinolysin system. There is increased red cell membrane stiffness which may be responsible for the increased platelet aggregates found in the circulation. This may explain frequent thromboembolic complications.