Plasma beta-thromboglobulin levels and claudication degrees in patients with peripheral vascular disease.

In 30 patients with varying degrees of claudication and 40 normal subjects, plasma levels of beta-thromboglobulin were determined. These were significantly higher (p less than 0.01) in the patients than in age-matched controls; in the control group the beta-thromboglobulin values resulted slightly higher in older subjects. No correlation was found between beta-thromboglobulin and the severity of the vascular disease, assessed on the basis of the pain-free interval on the treadmill.