EFFECTS OF IONIC AND NONIONIC CONTRAST-MEDIA ON PLATELET-FUNCTION AS EVALUATED BY PLASMA-CONCENTRATION OF BETA-THROMBOGLOBULIN

The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of ionic and non-ioni c contrast media on platelet function. In 44 patients who underwent an giography, the plasma concentration of beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG) was measured before and after ionic contrast medium (diatrizoate) admi nistration in 22 patients and non-ionic contrast medium (iopromide) in the other 22 patients. A significant decrease in the plasma beta TG l evels after intraarterial contrast medium injection occurred in both g roups of patients. No significant beta TG level changes occurred in pa tients with normal pre-examination beta TG levels in both groups. In p atients with elevated beta TG levels before arteriography, beta TG ret urned to normal values after contrast medium injection in both groups. There was no significant correlation between the amount of administer ed contrast medium and beta TG concentration after angiography. These results suggest that platelet function is not affected by either ionic or non-ionic contrast medium in patients with normal platelet activat ion. In patients with enhanced platelet activation, the activation bec ame normal after contrast medium administration.