Effects of clofibrate and sulfinpyrazone on platelet survival time in coronary artery disease.

Platelet survival time was measured (autologous labelling with 51chromium) in 68 men with coronary artery disease (CAD). Survival was shortened slightly (3.2 +/- 0.04 days; mean +/- SEM) as compared to normal (3.7 +/- 0.04 days; N = 18; P less than 0.001), and 60% had shortened survival (less than 3.3 days). Thirty-seven had hyperlipoproteinemia (36 with Type IV and one with Type III) and platelet survival was shortened (3.1 +/- 0.10 days) and significantly different from survival of men with normal lipoproteins (3.3 +/- 0,12 days; P less than 0.05). Twenty-two with shortened platelet survival and CAD received either clofibrate or sulfinpyrazone. Clofibrate prolonged platelet survival (2.6 +/- 0.09 to 3.4 +/- 0,14 days; P less than 0.001) and ten of 12 had prolongation of survival. Sulfinpyrazone increased survival (2.8 +/- 0.12 to 3.6 +/- 0.21; P less than 0.001) and nine of ten had prolognation of platelet survival. Clofibrate lowered serum cholesterol and tryglyceride but alteration in lipids did not correlate with alteration of survival. Sulfinpyrazone did not alter lipids. Data suggest that survival is shortened in CAD and that clofibrate and sulfinpyrazone alter survival. Platelet suppressant agents may prove beneficial in reducing the extent and complications of atherosclerotic arterial injury.