Platelet function and survival in multiple myeloma.

Symptoms of haemorrhagic diathesis are frequently observed in multiple myeloma patients. Their nature is complex and is thought to be connected with platelet function disturbances, coagulation abnormalities and vascular endothelium damage. We demonstrated the shortening of platelet halflife in six myeloma patients. Disturbed thrombocytopoiesis, decreased platelet adhesion and aggregation were shown in all patients studied. The shortened platelet survival in our patients may have resulted from disturbed platelet function resulting from high immunoglobulin concentration and changes in thrombocytopoiesis.