Excess platelet activation (e.g. increased soluble P selectin [sPsel] and beta thromboglobulin [beta-TG]) is well established in sickle cell disease (SCD) and may contribute to the prothrombotic/hypercoagulable state and vascular occlusion characteristic of the disease.
Baseline studies of 111Indium oxine labelled platelet life-span, platelet alpha-granule release products, beta-thromboglobulin (beta TG) and platelet factor 4 (PF4), and factor VIII related activities were performed on 9 asymptomatic patients with sickle cell disease, who were subsequently randomised in a prospective double-blind trial of ticlopidine (250 mg. b. d.) or placebo for one month and the investigations repeated.