Thrombocytopenia After Cardiopulmonary Bypass is Associated with Increased Morbidity and Mortality

Abstract: Background Thrombocytopenia is a risk factor for morbidity and mortality in critically ill patients, and is common following cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). In this study, we evaluate whether thrombocytopenia following CPB is an independent risk factor for post-operative morbidity and mortality. Methods We retrospectively evaluated 1,364 patients requiring CPB at University of Colorado Hospital between January 2011 and May 2016. Platelet nadir, absolute change in platelets, and percent change in platelets were modeled as continuous variables. Patients with post-operative thrombocytopenia (defined a nadir Results Post-operative thrombocytopenia occurred in 356 (26.0%) patients. In multivariable analysis platelet nadir was significantly inversely associated with mortality [0.955 (0.934-0.975), p Conclusions Post-operative thrombocytopenia is independently associated with post-operative mortality, AKI, infection, stroke, and prolonged ICU and hospital LOS. Serial platelet monitoring may help identify patients at higher risk of post-operative complications. Further studies investigating strategies to reduce post-operative thrombocytopenia, including reducing CPB time, are needed.