Thrombocytopenia as Prognostic Indicator in ICU

The degree of thrombocytopenia has been regarded as a marker of illness severity in critically ill patients. A lower platelet count on admission to ICU correlates with higher Simplified Acute Physiology Scores (SAPS), Multiple Organ Dysfunction Scores (MODS) and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation (APACHE) scores than those with normal platelet counts. It is also an independent predictor of mortality in ICU with the severity of thrombocytopenia being inversely related to survival. A four- to six-fold increase in mortality has been reported if the platelet count is reduced by more than 50% during ICU admission or if the thrombocytopenia is sustained for more than 4 days. Thrombocytopenia has also been associated with longer hospital and ICU stays.

Reference:

Haematology in Critical Care: A Practical Handbook, First Edition. Edited by Jecko Thachil and Quentin A. Hill.

© 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. Published 2014 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.