Thrombocytopenia in intensive care patients

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a common feature in intensive care patients. Similar to other settings in which thrombocytopenia may occur, the decrease in platelet count may be caused by impaired production, increased consumption, or enhanced degradation of these cells. In this chapter, we will discuss the epidemiology and differential diagnosis of a decreased platelet count in critically ill patients, First, we will briefly introduce platelet function and platelet vessel wall interaction in the normal situation and during severe infection and/or inflammation. © 2007 Springer Science + Business Media Inc.