Prevention of platelet deposition and thrombus formation on hemodialysis membranes: a double-blind randomized trial of aspirin and dipyridamole

Abstract

A double-blind crossover study comparing low-dose aspirin (ASA) and dipyridamole (DPM) (100 mg ASA + 75 mg DPM, t.d.s.), high-dose ASA and DPM (300 mg ASA + 75 mg DPM, t.d.s.), and placebo on platelet deposition and thrombus formation on hemodialysis membranes was undertaken in 17 long-term dialysis patients. The high-dose combination significantly reduced the fall in platelet count during dialysis and also significantly increased postdialysis heparin concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy of the Cuprophan membranes showed a reduction in platelet deposition and fibrin formation during both treatment schedules, but this was most marked with the high-dose combination. The results of this study indicate that there is a graded response to combined ASA-DPM treatment and that this can significantly reduce platelet consumption and contact activation of fibrin during hemodialysis with Cuprophan membranes.