Main description:

Platelets are tiny blood cells that help the body form clots to stop bleeding. Antiplatelet medications, such as aspirin and clopidogrel, are commonly used to thin the blood which limits clotting and reduces the risk of heart attack.

This book is a comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists.

Beginning with discussion on platelet structure, morphology, function and physiology, the next chapters cover the role of calcium in platelet activation and calcium modulation by cyclic nucleotides.

The following sections explain the pharmacology of antiplatelet drugs, antiplatelet therapies, aspirin resistance, and the association of diabetes mellitus with major platelet dysfunction.

The book concludes with chapters on acute coronary problems, interaction between endothelial cells and platelets, and blood biocompatibility studies.

Authored by a Minneapolis-based expert in the field, the text is further enhanced by clinical photographs, diagrams and tables.

Key points

Comprehensive guide to blood platelets for haematologists
Extensive coverage of antiplatelet drugs and resistance
Recognised author from University of Minnesota
Highly illustrated with clinical photographs, diagrams and tables

Contents:

Introduction

Platelet Ultrastructure Morphology
Platelet Morphology and Function
Platelet Morphology and Dysfunction
Platelet Physiology
Platelet Activation Mechanisms
Role of Calcium in Platelet Activation
Eicosanoid Metabolism and Platelet Function
Calcium Modulation by Cyclic Nucleotides
Pharmacology of Antiplatelet Drugs
Antiplatelet Therapies
Aspirin Resistance
Platelet Dysfunctions Associated with Diabetes Mellitus
Platelet Hyperfunction as a Risk Promoter for Acute Coronary Events
Epinephrine-induced Platelet Membrane Modulation
Platelet-Vessel Wall Interactions
Blood Biocompatibility Studies

Afterword

Bibliography

Index