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Platelet consumption and sequestration in severe acute respiratory failure
The American Review of Respiratory Disease
|September 1, 1980
Summary
Platelet lifespan shortens significantly and consumption increases in patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF). This suggests platelets play a key role in acute lung injury.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonary Medicine
- Hematology
- Critical Care Medicine
Background:
- Acute lung injury is a severe condition with high mortality.
- Platelet kinetics and organ sequestration patterns in acute respiratory failure (ARF) are not well understood.
- Thrombocytopenia is common in patients with ARF.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate alterations in platelet kinetics and organ sequestration patterns during acute lung injury.
- To investigate the role of platelets in the pathophysiology of ARF.
Main Methods:
- Studied autologous radiolabeled platelets in 15 patients with severe ARF.
- Measured platelet lifespan and turnover rate.
- Determined platelet sequestration in organs using surface scintillation counting.
Main Results:
- Platelet lifespan was significantly reduced in ARF patients (2.30 days) compared to normal volunteers (6.29 days).
- Platelet turnover rate was twice normal in ARF patients.
- Platelet sequestration occurred in the lungs, liver, and spleen.
Conclusions:
- Increased platelet consumption and pulmonary sequestration suggest direct involvement of platelets in acute lung injury pathophysiology.
- Further research is needed to determine if platelets cause or exacerbate ARF.