The effect of somatostatin on coagulation and platelet function in man.

Preliminary evidence has suggested that somatostatin might interfere with platelet function in the baboon. Because this agent is currently being administered experimentally to human beings, we studied its effect on coagulation and platelet function in man. In five subjects, a four-hour infusion of somatostatin (500 micrograms per hour) had no definite effect on platelet count, leukocyte count, hematocrit, platelet adhesiveness and aggregation, bleeding time, partial thromboplastin time, prothrombin time, and fibrinogen levels. A similar infusion for 18 hours in three subjects was likewise without effect. These studies indicate that somatostatin does not affect coagulation and platelet function in man and that its prolonged administration lacks ostensible toxicity.