Platelet function in disseminated intravascular coagulation: A systematic review.

Area of Science:

• Hematology
• Pathophysiology
• Systematic Review

Background:

• Disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC) involves microthrombosis, with platelets playing a key role.
• The precise changes in platelet function parameters during DIC and their diagnostic utility remain incompletely understood.

Purpose of the Study:

• To systematically review associations between platelet function (activation, aggregation, adhesion) and the development of DIC.
• To evaluate the potential of platelet function tests in DIC diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Systematic literature search conducted in Embase and PubMed databases.
• Adherence to Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines.
• Inclusion of 22 articles: 14 human studies, 7 animal studies, and 1 mixed study.

Main Results:

• Platelet activation markers were generally elevated in subjects with DIC (both human and animal) compared to controls.
• Platelet aggregation was reportedly lower in DIC, but this finding may be confounded by low platelet counts.
• Studies on platelet adhesion were less consistently reported.

Conclusions:

• Platelet activation markers demonstrate potential for DIC diagnosis, but require standardization and semi-automatization for clinical use.
• The role of platelet aggregation in DIC is inconclusive due to confounding factors like low platelet counts; further adjusted studies are needed.