Aim: Acute stress reaction (ASR) is often seen with depression, and stress-related hormones may play an important role in acute arterial thrombosis by increasing platelet aggregation. To the best of our knowledge, no study has examined leukocyte and platelet counts following a suicide attempt with ASR.
Method: The present study examined blood leukocyte, platelet and mean platelet volume (MPV) levels. In addition, we examined the factors affecting these parameters. Data for patients who were admitted to the emergency room and evaluated by same psychiatrist after a suicide attempt were obtained from the health registries. Controls were selected from all residents living in the same area. Using a case-control design, we examined 30 suicide cases and 33 controls matched for gender and age.
Results: The 30 subjects diagnosed with ASR related suicide showed increased white blood cell counts but similar platelet counts and mean platelet volume compared with controls. At follow-up, the platelet count was lower in patients than in controls (p= 0.001), which was related to suicide attempts by using anti-depressants (p= 0.003).
Conclusion: ASR did not increase platelet count or MPV, but we found an increase in leukocyte counts following ASR. Additionally, our study supported the antiplatelet effect of antidepressant medications.
Key words: acute stress reaction, suicide, platelet, leucocyte, drugs, antidepressant, analgesic
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