Objective
Thrombocytopenia is common in intensive care units (ICUs), and is associated with
a poor prognosis. An acute decrease in total platelet count is frequently observed
in severe sepsis, followed by a relative increase indicating organ-failure recovery.
However, few data are available describing this effect and its relationship with outcomes
in specific subgroups of ICU patients.
Methods
A retrospective, observational cohort study was conducted to investigate the incidence
and prognosis of thrombocytopenia in a cohort of critically ill patients (n=155) with
a microbiologically documented nosocomial bloodstream infection.
Results
Thrombocytopenia occurred more frequently in nonsurvivors. The ICU mortality rates
increased according to severity of thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was independently
associated with worse outcomes in ICU patients with nosocomial bloodstream infection.
Conclusion
Determining trends in platelet counts is of additional prognostic value, compared
with single measurements.
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: October 16, 2009
Identification
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© 2010 Elsevier Inc. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
