Rc. Buckley et al., EFFECTS OF KETOROLAC TROMETHAMINE (TORADOL(R)) ON A FUNCTIONAL-MODEL OF MICROVASCULAR THROMBOSIS, British Journal of Plastic Surgery, 46(4), 1993, pp. 296-299
Ketorolac tromethamine (Toradol(R)), a potent nonsteroidal anti-inflam
matory drug used for postoperative pain, also strongly inhibits platel
et agregation. The anti-thrombotic effects of intramuscular ketorolac
were assessed with a described rat model of microarterial thrombosis.
After a single dose of ketoroiac mean bleeding times were significantl
y prolonged (p < 0.01) and platelet aggregation was markedly reduced.
Patency rates at 20 min were significantly higher in ketorolac groups
compared to controls (p < 0.005). However, all vessels were thrombosed
at 24 h. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated decreased platelet
aggregation and decreased thrombus formation in ketorolac treated ani
mals at 20 min. The prolonged bleeding time and reduction in platelet
aggregation add support to concerns of bleeding complications reported
in patients treated with ketorolac perioperatively. Thus, ketorolac s
hould probably not be used for pain relief in patients in whom postope
rative haematoma formation is a particular concern. In addition, in th
is model, ketorolac as a single agent was ineffective for long-term pr
evention of microarterial thrombosis.