Platelets in Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease: Two Sides of the Coin

Rates of thrombosis and bleeding episodes are both increased in patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD). The pathogenic mechanisms of thrombosis in these patients include platelet activation, increased formation of platelet-leukocyte conjugates, and platelet-derived microparticles, as well as effects of uremic toxins on platelets. On the other side of the coin, platelet hyporeactivity mediated by uremic toxins and anemia contributes...