Coagulation disorders and thrombocytopenia are common in patients with septic shock. Despite the clinical relevance of sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia, few studies have focused on the prediction of thrombocytopenia in this setting. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether platelets aggregometry and markers of platelets activation, such as mean platelet volume or platelet volume distribution width, could predict sepsis-induced thrombocytopenia in patients with septic shock and normal platelet count on the day of diagnosis.

Inclusion Criteria:

• diagnosis of septic shock
• platelet count >150*103/mcL.

Exclusion Criteria:

• age <18 years
• history of any hematologic disorder
• chronic liver failure
• previous chemotherapy
• transfusion of platelet during the previous 4 weeks
• renal replacement therapy before ICU admission
• history of antiplatelet therapy during the 8 days before inclusion
• history of heparin-induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) or other acquired or induced thrombocytopenia
• occurrence of HIT (defined as HIT score over 3)
• active bleeding

Patients in intensive care unit