Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 17, 2026
06:32
Dynamic Multiparameter Platelet Function Assessment Using a Capacitive Biosensor
Published on: May 2, 2025
885
Evaluation of platelet function using multiple electrode platelet aggregometry in dogs with septic peritonitis
Ronald H L Li1,2, Daniel L Chan3
1Section of Emergency and Critical Care, Department of Clinical Science and Services, Royal Veterinary College, University of London, London, UK. rhli@ucdavis.edu.
Summary
Platelet function is reduced in dogs with septic peritonitis, and this impairment, particularly with collagen activation, can predict survival outcomes. Multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEPA) is a valuable tool for assessing illness severity.
Area of Science:
- Veterinary Internal Medicine
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Sepsis can lead to disseminated intravascular coagulation and organ dysfunction.
- Platelet dysfunction is a common complication of sepsis in humans and animals.
- Assessing platelet function may provide prognostic information in septic patients.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate platelet function using multiple electrode platelet aggregometry (MEPA) in dogs with septic peritonitis.
- To compare platelet function in septic dogs with that of healthy controls.
- To determine the prognostic significance of altered platelet function in dogs with septic peritonitis.
Main Methods:
- Prospective, observational cohort study at a university teaching hospital.
- Included 20 dogs with septic peritonitis and 23 healthy dogs.
- Measured platelet aggregation using MEPA with arachidonic acid, adenosine diphosphate, and collagen as agonists within 24 hours of sepsis diagnosis.
Main Results:
- Dogs with septic peritonitis exhibited reduced platelet aggregation compared to healthy dogs across all agonists (P < 0.01).
- The overall mortality rate in septic dogs was 40%.
- Collagen-activated MEPA was significantly lower in non-survivors than survivors (P = 0.019), with a threshold of <43.5 aggregation units predicting non-survival with 85.7% sensitivity and 90.9% specificity.
Conclusions:
- Septic peritonitis in dogs is associated with diminished platelet aggregation.
- MEPA can serve as a valuable tool for assessing illness severity and predicting outcomes in dogs with septic peritonitis.
