Use of antiplatelet agents in sepsis: a glimpse into the future

As mechanisms of sepsis pathophysiology have been elucidated with time, sepsis may be considered nowadays, as an uncontrolled inflammatory and pro-coagulant response to a pathogen. In this cascade of events, platelets play a key role, via interaction with endothelial cells and modulation of both innate and adaptive immune system. In that manner, inhibition of platelet function could represent a useful tool for attenuating inflammatory response and improving outcomes. Data on current antiplatelet agents, including acetylsalicylic acid, P2Y12 inhibitors and GPIIb/IIIa antagonists, in animal models are promising. Clinical data in patients hospitalized for pneumonia, at risk for acute lung injury, and/or critically ill revealed an association between antiplatelet therapy and reduction in both short-term mortality and prevalence of acute lung injury, as well as, the need for intensive care unit admission, without a concomitant increased bleeding risk. In need of innovative approach in the treatment of sepsis, further prospective, interventional, randomized trials are pivotal to establish potential use of antiplatelet agents in this context.