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Review
. 2017 Oct 20;18(10):2200.
doi: 10.3390/ijms18102200.

Platelets and Multi-Organ Failure in Sepsis

Elisabetta Greco  1 , Enrico Lupia  2 , Ornella Bosco  3 , Barbara Vizio  4 , Giuseppe Montrucchio  5
Affiliations
Review

Platelets and Multi-Organ Failure in Sepsis

Elisabetta Greco et al. Int J Mol Sci. .

Abstract

Platelets have received increasing attention for their role in the pathophysiology of infectious disease, inflammation, and immunity. In sepsis, a low platelet count is a well-known biomarker for disease severity and more recently authors have focused their attention on the active role of platelets in the pathogenesis of multi-organ failure. Septic shock is characterised by a dysregulated inflammatory response, which can impair the microcirculation and lead to organ injury. Being at the crossroads between the immune system, clotting cascade, and endothelial cells, platelets seem to be an appealing central mediator and possible therapeutic target in sepsis. This review focuses on the pathogenic role of platelets in septic organ dysfunction in humans and animal models.

Keywords: AKI; ARDS; DIC; antiplatelets; multi-organ failure; platelet; sepsis; septic shock; thrombocytopenia.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

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