Platelet maximum aggregation rate serves as a marker in diagnosis and prognosis in patients with sepsis

Multiple organ failure complicated by coagulation dysfunction is an important cause of death in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to explore the clinical significance of platelet maximum aggregation rate (MAR) in patients with sepsis and explored the relationship between MAR and prognosis to support treatment decision-making.

Blood samples from patients with sepsis (diagnosed according to the 2016 international diagnostic criteria for sepsis 3.0) treated between Sep 2017 and Apr 2018 were assessed. Patients were excluded if they had any other condition or treatment that may have affected platelet function in the previous 2 weeks. A control group of healthy subjects attending the physical examination center in the same period was also included. The MAR was measured using a whole blood platelet function analyzer (PL-12) using a range of different inducers of platelet aggregation, and normal saline. MAR was assessed in the healthy and septic groups, and survivors and non-survivors were compared in the sepsis group 28 days after treatment.

The MAR in the sepsis group was significantly lower than that seen in the healthy group (P<0.05 for all inducers). The MAR of patients with sepsis was negatively correlated with their Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) scores. In the sepsis group, the MAR of non-survivors was significantly lower than that of the survivors (P<0.05 for all inducers).

The platelet MAR was significantly decreased in patients with sepsis and in non-survivors. These data may support treatment decision-making in patients with sepsis.