Failure of sulphinpyrazone to affect platelet survival in patients with rheumatic heart valvular disease: a double blind study using 75Se-methionine labeled platelets.

We have investigated platelet survival time in 18 patients suffering from valvular heart disease. Platelet survival was performed using the 75Se-methionine method modified by us. Nine of our eighteen patients underwent surgery for heart valve replacement. Platelet survival time was performed before treatment and six months afterwards with placebo or sulfinpyrazone in a double blind study. Before treatment and surgery, platelet survival time was significantly reduced in patients with a history of embolism (P less than 0.0048). In patients receiving valve replacement, platelet survival time was shortened both in the sulfinpyrazone and placebo groups six months after surgery. Of the nine patients not receiving prostheses and with a thrombotic history, treatment with placebo and sulfinpyrazone resulted in improved platelet survival times.