SEQUENTIAL DECREASE IN PLATELET ENERGY-CHARGE AFTER HEPATIC RESECTION IN CIRRHOTICS

The adenylate energy charge of human platelets was measured in the early postoperative period after hepatic resection in cirrhotic and noncirrhotic patients to evaluate the metabolic status of platelets in this period. The adenylate energy charge of platelets decreased on the first, second, and third postoperative days in the cirrhotic group, whereas no significant decrease was found in the noncirrhotic group. A decrease in the percentage of adenosine triphosphate and an increase in that of hypoxanthine also occurred concomitant with a decrease in the adenylate energy charge, which was considered to be the result of an increased utilization of adenosine triphosphate. These findings indicate that in cirrhotic patients, the intravascular activation of platelets takes place and platelet function is damaged during the period immediately after hepatic resection, even when there is no clinical evidence of intravascular coagulation. © 1990 Reed Publishing USA.