Increased platelet aggregation in psoriasis.

Platelet aggregation was measured in fasting platelet-rich plasma in 25 psoriatics, 6 of whom were diabetic, 50 normal controls, and 24 diabetics. The aggregating agents employed to induce platelet aggregation included ADP, epinephrine and collagen. Platelet aggregation was significantly increased in psoriatics compared with normal controls. An additive effect was observed when diabetes was associated with psoriasis, with platelet aggregation being further increased by ADP. Platelet aggregability was re-evaluated in 7 psoriatics after they presented with clearing of the rash. The increased platelet aggregation with ADP and epinephrine was significantly reduced when the skin lesions had cleared.