Diminished platelet aggregation in patients with iron deficiency anemia

To evaluate platelet function in iron deficiency anemia, using impedance (i n whole blood) and optic tin platelet-rich plasma methods, platelet aggrega tion analyses were performed in 42 children with iron deficiency anemia at the time of diagnosis and after iron therapy. Collagen-induced platelet agg regation was decreased in patients before therapy compared to after therapy and control levels as indicated by the two methods while adenosine diphosp hate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregation was decreased only by the whole blo od method. Platelet aggregation with epinephrine, performed only by the opt ic method, was not altered in patients with iron deficiency anemia. Platele t counts were found to be increased in patients with iron deficiency anemia , and decreased with therapy. These results indicate that some platelet fun ctions are decreased in patients with iron deficiency anemia. These decreas ed functions may be compensated by increased platelet numbers.