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Updated: Feb 23, 2026

Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
Platelet-Derived Microvesicles: A Potential Therapy for Trauma-Induced Coagulopathy
Ernesto Lopez1, Amit K Srivastava2, Shibani Pati3
1Center for Translational Injury Research (CeTIR), Department of Surgery, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, Texas.
Abstract:
Trauma patients are often affected by a hypocoagulable condition referred to as trauma-induced coagulopathy (TIC) for which few therapeutic options exist. One available treatment is fresh platelets transfusion, although it is not efficacious enough and has a number of limitations. Therefore, we reviewed the literature to propose an alternative therapy based on platelet-derived microvesicles (PMVs), which are cellular fragments surrounded by extracellular membrane and filled with cytoplasmic content. This concept is supported by a large number of studies in which the hypercoagulable role of PMVs has been demonstrated and associated with thrombosis-related conditions. The purpose of this review is to summarize what is currently known about PMVs and discuss whether a transfusion of isolated human PMVs could be used as a therapy for TIC.
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