The Effect of Low Dose Aspirin on Platelet Inhibition in Patients with Rheumatoid Arthritis

Abstract

The aim of present study was to evaluate the effect of low dose aspirin on platelet inhibition in patients with RA.Methods & Materials:In a clinical trial study, 48 Patients with RA who referred to Rheumatology Clinic of Tabriz University of Medical Sciences were included in the study. Disease activity based on DAS-28 & SDAI, Framingham Risk Score, level of ESR, CRP, lipid profiles, fasting blood sugar, as well as thromboxane B2 level were measured. Patients received aspirin 80 mg daily for one week. Thromboxane B2 levels were re-measured and its changes were evaluated.Results:The mean of thromboxane B2 level at the beginning of the study was 35.61±5.14 ng/ml in the range of 8.86 to 98.1 ng/ml, and at the end of the study was 7.31±2.53 in the range of 1.0 to 13.40 ng/ml. The level of thromboxane B2 decreased significantly after receiving aspirin 80 mg daily for one week (P=0.001). No significant correlation were seen between the amount of thromboxane B2 reduction with disease activity and Framingham Risk Score, however, there was a statistically significant association with ESR level (r=0.30, P=0.040).