PLATELET ACTIVATION, FIBRINOLYTIC-ACTIVITY AND CIRCULATING IMMUNE-COMPLEXES IN RAYNAUDS-PHENOMENON

  • 1 January 1982
    • journal article
    • research article
    • Vol. 9  (6) , 878-884
Abstract
Circulating immune complexes (CIC), platelet activation and fibrinolytic activity were assessed in 133 patients with Raynaud''s phenomenon (RP), 41 with primary RP, 73 with secondary RP and 19 with RP and minor symptoms of connective tissue disease (suspected secondary RP). Increased levels of CIC were found in secondary and suspected secondary RP. In those groups spontaneous platelet aggregation also was found, a percentage of which correlated with levels of CIC. In all groups elevated levels of .beta.-thromboglobulin, a platelet-specific protein released during platelet activation, and decreased levels of .alpha.2-antiplasmin, the main inhibitor of fibrinolysis, were found, together with hyperfibrinogenemia.