Abstract
Background
Disseminated avascular coagulation (DIC) is the main cause of death among patients with sepsis. In particular, low platelet count is predictive of poor outcome. However, the significance of platelet activation in patients with sepsis-related DIC is poorly understood. To determine the characteristics of platelet-related abnormality in patients with sepsis-related DIC, we assessed the expression levels of several biomarkers.
Methods
Plasma levels of biomarkers, including cytokines, chemokines, soluble selectins, platelet-derived microparticles (PDMPs), soluble vascular adhesion molecule 1, and high mobility group box protein 1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay at baseline and after 4, 7, 14, and 21 days of DIC treatment.
Results
Differences in platelet activation and in the elevation of activated platelet-related PDMPs and of soluble P-selectin were seen between patients suffering from sepsis and hematologic malignancy with DIC. In addition, the elevation of interleukin (IL)-6 and thrombopoietin (TPO) was significant in sepsis patients with DIC. Furthermore, IL-6 and TPO promoted platelet activation in vitro.
Conclusion
Assessment of PDMPs, sP-selectin, IL-6, and TPO may be beneficial in the primary prevention of multi-organ failure in sepsis patients with DIC.
Acknowledgments
This study was partly supported by a grant from the Japan Foundation of Neuropsychiatry and Hematology Research, a Research Grant for Advanced Medical Care from the Ministry of Health and Welfare of Japan, and a Grant (13670760 to S.N.) from the Ministry of Education, Science and Culture of Japan. We thank Nicholas Rufaut, Phd, from Edanz Group (www.edanzediting.com/ac) for editing a draft of this manuscript.
Disclosure
The authors report no conflicts of interest in this work.