Multi-Modal Venous ThromboembolicProphylaxis Aids in Risk Reduction Following Splenectomy in Female and Male Mice.

INTRODUCTION

Splenectomy (SPLN) is associated with elevated risk of venous thromboembolic (VTE) disease. Enoxaparin (ENX) is a low-molecular-weight heparin agent used in VTE chemoprophylaxis. Early aspirin administration ameliorates postSPLN platelet hyperaggregability in male mice. Previous literature has excluded female mice, citing potential effects of estrogen on platelet count and activation as a reason. We hypothesized that multimodal therapy using aspirin and ENX would mitigate postoperative platelet aggregability in mice across sexes.

METHODS

Murine models of SPLN included both male and female mice. Treatment groups included placebo gavage, sham laparotomy, SPLN alone, SPLN and aspirin, SPLN and ENX, and SPLN with aspirin and ENX (n = 5 per group). Chemoprophylaxis dosing was initiated before SPLN. Mice were euthanized on post-operative day (POD) 1 or 3; platelet counts were obtained and blood samples were analyzed via electrical impedance aggregometry.

RESULTS

Females on POD 3 following SPLN demonstrated increased platelet count compared to female mice with no treatment intervention. Male and female mice demonstrated increased adenosine diphosphate (ADP)-induced platelet aggregability on POD 3 following SPLN compared to the placebo group. Treatment with aspirin and ENX decreased this post-SPLN platelet hyperaggregability in both sexes. Females demonstrated significantly higher ADP-mediated platelet aggregability in placebo, SPLN, and SPLN with aspirin and ENX when compared to males of identical treatment groups on POD 3.

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet hyperaggregability following SPLN is mediated primarily by ADP in both males and females, but higher relative aggregability is demonstrated in females. Early administration of dual-agent VTE chemoprophylaxis utilizing aspirin and ENX mitigates this hyperaggregability and may aid in VTE risk reduction across sexes.