Increased circulating platelet aggregates in thalassaemia.

Examination for circulating platelet aggregates according to Wu and Hoak revealed increased circulating platelet aggregates in 71% of splenectomized and 35% of nonsplenectomized patients with beta (0)-thalassaemia/Hb E disease. This may be causally related to the newly observed high incidences of pulmonary artery thrombosis and hypoxaemia in splenectomized thalassaemic patients. It is recommended that anti-platelet aggregation drugs such as aspirin and/or dipyridamole are given to thalassaemic patients after splenectomy.