Authors : Nweke Ifeoma Nneka, Mbah Anthony Uchenna, Ezeala Christian Chinyere, Ewesiobi Austine Ikechukwu, Okechi Obioma Onyemaechi and Eroegbusi Joseph Nwobi
Abstract: Platelet dysfunction is one of the major mechanisms underpinning cardiovascular diseases in diabetes mellitus. The researchers hypothesize that a significant proportion of Nigerian diabetic patients have altered platelet activation and adhesiveness which could predispose to thrombotic disorders. To evaluate platelet adhesiveness in type 2 diabetic Nigerians as a measure of platelet dysfunction. A total 50 patients (30 males and 20 females) aged 30-70 years with established diagnosis of type 2 diabetes on their first visit to diabetes clinic of Abia State University Teaching Hospital, Aba in Eastern Nigeria and 30 apparently healthy age-matched controls (15 males and 15 females) were recruited into this study. Blood samples were collected from the diabetic patients and controls after an overnight fast for determination of platelet counts and platelet adhesiveness and results compared. The mean platelet count of the patients, 234 +/- 77x109 L-1 was not significantly different from that of the controls, 238 +/- 77x109 L-1 (p>0.05). The mean platelet adhesiveness of the patients 65.2 +/- 15.6% was however significantly higher than the mean value of the controls, 44.1 +/- 8.8% (p<0.05). There was a positive linear correlation between the fasting plasma glucose levels and platelet adhesiveness indices.
Nweke Ifeoma Nneka, Mbah Anthony Uchenna, Ezeala Christian Chinyere, Ewesiobi Austine Ikechukwu, Okechi Obioma Onyemaechi and Eroegbusi Joseph Nwobi, 2012. Platelet Activity in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes in Eastern Nigeria. Research Journal of Pharmacology, 6: 48-51.