UMEM Educational Pearls

Category: Critical Care

Title: Thrombocytopenia in the Critically-ill

Keywords: thrombocytopenia, critically0ill, sepsis, death, mortality, prognosis (PubMed Search)

Posted: 12/21/2010 by Haney Mallemat, MD
Click here to contact Haney Mallemat, MD

 

 

 

The incidence and prevalence of thrombocytopenia in the ICU is poorly defined however, it has been found to be an independent predictor of death in the critically-ill. Increased mortality does not appear to be related to bleeding complications. On the other hand, survivors of critical illness tend to recover platelet faster as compared to non-survivors. 

 

Thrombocytopenia in the critically-ill is a marker for systemic inflammation/infection although the exact mechanisms are unknown. Common risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia in the ICU population are:

 

Sepsis

Renal failure

High-illness severity

Organ dysfunction

 

Bottom line:  Thrombocytopenia in the critically-ill is associated with increased mortality. 

References

 

Hui, P., The Frequency and Clinical Significance of Thrombocytopenia Complicating Critical Illness: A Systematic Review. Chest. 2010 Nov 11. [Epub ahead of print]