Mean Platelet Volume Versus Total Leukocyte Count and C-reactive protein as an Indicator for Mortality in Sepsis T

Abstract

nfectious diseases are a global health problem, causing thousands of deaths per year. Sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality, and the incidence is rising, probably due to the growing elderly population, antibiotic resistance, immunosuppressive medication and, invasive surgery. Pneumonia is the most leading cause of sepsis, followed by urinary tract infections and abdominal infections. Several physiological and blood chemistry parameters are used in daily practice in intensive care units. Simply observing the platelet counts may be very useful for assessing critically-ill patients, especially those with sepsis. However, one single platelet count is not as valuable as sequential platelet counts throughout the course of sepsis. Platelets are the smallest blood cells and are derived from megakaryocytes through an endomitotic process rather than straightforward cellular duplication, which results in cells without a nucleus, but they contain preformed proteins as well as mRNA. The development is controlled by thrombopoietin, which is synthesized in smooth muscle and bone marrow. Thrombopoietin is eliminated by circulating platelets and hence, a fall in platelet counts results in increased levels of thrombopoietin. Mean platelet volume (MPV) is a measurement that