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The Critically Ill Patient with Abnormal Platelet Count

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Hematologic Problems in the Critically Ill

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Abstract

Abnormal platelet counts are a common finding in critically ill patients. The main pathogenetic mechanisms underlying thrombocytopenia will be discussed. Conditions due to reduced production of platelets such as inherited bone marrow failures, myelodysplastic syndromes, sepsis, and drugs will be summarized. Clinical situations characterized by enhanced platelet destruction, mediated by immune mechanisms (drugs, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, autoimmune diseases, posttransfusion purpura) or due to nonimmune causes (disseminated intravascular coagulation, thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, intravascular devices) will also be described. Due to its relevance in ICU patients, a section is dedicated to heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT). Though much more infrequent than thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis has also been observed in hospitalized patients.

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Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Transfusion Medicine Department, University Hospital Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, Trieste, 34149, Italy

    Luca G. Mascaretti MD

  2. Hemostasis and Blood Coagulation Laboratory, Transfusion Medicine Department, University Hospital Trieste, Strada di Fiume 447, Trieste, 34149, Italy

    Paola Pradella MSc

Authors
  1. Luca G. Mascaretti MD
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  2. Paola Pradella MSc
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Correspondence to Luca G. Mascaretti MD .

Editor information

Editors and Affiliations

  1. Anesthesia and Intensive Care, University of Trieste, University Hospital, Trieste, Italy

    Giorgio Berlot

  2. Haematology, University of Trieste, University Hospital, Trieste, Italy

    Gabriele Pozzato

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Mascaretti, L.G., Pradella, P. (2015). The Critically Ill Patient with Abnormal Platelet Count. In: Berlot, G., Pozzato, G. (eds) Hematologic Problems in the Critically Ill. Springer, Milano. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5301-4_6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-88-470-5301-4_6

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  • Publisher Name: Springer, Milano

  • Print ISBN: 978-88-470-5300-7

  • Online ISBN: 978-88-470-5301-4

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