LOW-DOSE ASPIRIN PREVENTS THROMBOSIS IN HAEMODIAL YSIS PATIENTS

Low doses of aspirin are known to prevent thrombosis by blocking thromboxane synthesis in platelets. To find out which dosage regimen is optimal in producing this effect a randomised, double~blind trial of aspirin (r60mg per day) vs placebo was conducted in 44 patients on chronic haemodialysis. Both groups were observed for a mean of nearly 5 months, and the study was continued until there were 24 patients with thrombi. Thrombi were seen in 18 of 25 (72 %) of patients given placebo and 6 of 1 9 (32 % ) of those given aspirin (p < 0.0 I). The incidence of thrombosis w<,lS reduced from 0.46 thrombi per patient month in the placebo group to 0.16 thrombi per patient month in the aspirin group (p < 0.005). This study suggests that aspirin at a dose of 160mg daily may be useful in preventing thrombosis in haemodialysis patients. Harter. H.R. et al .: New England Journal of Medicine 30 I : 577 (13 Sep 1979)

12 INPHARMA 22 Sep 1979 0156-2703/79/0922-0012 $0 .50/0 © AD IS Press