The effect of hypoxia on the platelet count

Abstract

Abstract The occurrence of low arterial oxygen tensions in postoperative patients is well established. The effect of hypoxia on platelets was therefore studied in 36 rabbits. Two groups were exposed to low oxygen mixtures and a third group was exposed to air in an environmental chamber. In all groups the period of exposure was 24 hours. The hypoxic rabbits showed increased platelet counts from the first to nineteenth days after exposure. The difference in counts between both hypoxic groups and the control rabbits was statistically highly significant after exposure. An increase in platelets may well be an important factor in the aetiology of venous thrombosis. It is consequently suggested that a prophylactic régime against thrombo-embolism should include vigorous efforts to prevent hypoxia in the postoperative period.