Platelet function in patients with septic shock

Abstract Introduction Platelet function during sepsis-related disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) is only sparsely investigated. We aimed to determine 1) platelet aggregation, independently of platelet count, and platelet activation among septic shock patients and 2) whether platelet aggregation or platelet activation differed among patients with and without DIC. Materials and methods We included 38 septic shock patients at the Intensive Care Unit, Aarhus University Hospital, Denmark. Blood samples were obtained within 24 h of admission and the two consecutive days. Platelet aggregation was measured by impedance aggregometry including a model defining expected platelet aggregation relative to platelet count. Platelet activation was measured employing flow cytometry. Results Platelet aggregation was significantly lower in septic shock patients than in healthy controls (p  Conclusion Patients with septic shock displayed no impairment of platelet aggregation when interpreted relative to platelet count. Platelet activation, measured with flow cytometry, was increased among septic shock patients compared with healthy controls.