RESUMO
OBJECTIVES: The aim of this study was to assess the functional state of platelets in patients with mild acute pancreatitis and severe acute pancreatitis (S-AP). METHODS: The number of platelets and their morphological parameters were measured with Advia 2120. ß-Thromboglobulin and platelet factor 4 concentrations were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. To evaluate the expression of platelet glycoproteins, flow cytometry method was used. RESULTS: At the time of admission, a multiparameter evaluation of the platelets' function in AP patients showed enhanced platelet activation, which was reflected by an increase in the number of large platelets, concentration of degranulation markers (platelet factor 4 and ß-thromboglobulin), expression of glycoprotein (Gp) IIb/IIIa, and decreased mean platelet component. Only in S-AP patients at day 1 a decreased number of platelets and high expression of P-selectin and GpIa were observed, which may suggest their prognostic value. At day 30, the procoagulation state was still present in S-AP patients, because of increased platelets and number of large platelets as well as high GpIIb/IIIa expression. CONCLUSIONS: These results may indicate an important role of platelet activation in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis and the development of complications in S-AP.