Short summary

In a prospective study, it is evaluated whether platelet aggregation predicts bleeding in patients with acute myeloid leukaemia (AML).

Rationale

Platelets are pivotal in primary hemostasis, and bleeding risk is a concern in thrombocytopenic individuals. However, despite having equally low platelet counts, not all patients with thrombo-cytopenia experience bleeding, and the reason for this remains unknown.

We have established a method for testing platelet aggregation independent of sample platelet count using a flow cytometric approach (Vinholt et al. J Thromb Haemost 2017). The study showed that patients with thrombocytopenia and AML have reduced platelet function, but large variation was observed. We hypothesize that, independently of the patient platelet count, pa-tients with reduced platelet aggregation will experience bleeding during thrombocytopenia.

Description of the cohort

Adult patients with AML and platelet count <50x109/L are recruited from Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital.

Data and biological material

Patients are interviewed regarding bleeding symptoms and a blood sample is drawn to test platelet aggregation, hematology parameters and secondary haemostasis. No biobank is established.

Collaborating researchers and departments

Department of Hematology, Odense University Hospital

• MD, PhD Henrik Frederiksen

Department of Clinical Immunology, Odense University Hospital

• cand.scient., PhD Christian Nielsen