International Journal of Medical and Health Research

Authors
Vaishali Khatri, Ketan Christi, Robert Moulds

Abstract
Platelet aggregation was measured in healthy Fijian and Indo-Fijian participants predominantly residing in Suva, Fiji islands. The Fijians were divided into three groups: non-kava drinkers (n=58), occasional kava drinkers (n=60) and regular kava drinkers (n=56). Similarly the Indo-Fijians were also divided into three groups: non-kava drinkers (n=58), occasional kava drinkers (n=58) and regular kava drinkers (n=52). A comparison of platelet aggregation was done between the Fijian and Indo-Fijian groups. Blood Samples were collected from randomly selected healthy volunteers and platelet aggregation was measured using the whole blood platelet aggregometer (Chronolog corporation). The aggregating agent used was collagen. Analysis of results was done using the t tests. Platelet aggregation was within the normal range (15-27Ω) in both the ethnic groups, Fijians and Indo-Fijians. No Significant differences in platelet aggregation were seen between the groups (p>0.05). Based on the results of this study, platelet aggregation between the two groups was found to be similar and does not seem to have been affected by difference in ethnicity or genetic and dietary factors.