Publication:

Correlation of plasma fibrinogen and mean platelet volume in patients of sepsis to the severity of sepsis and its outcome

Background The prognostic value of mean platelet volume (MPV) and plasma fibrinogen level in terms of survival in patients with sepsis and septic shock is still incompletely documented. The aim of the present study was to find a correlation between MPV and plasma fibrinogen with the severity of sepsis and mortality.

Methods Three hundred eleven patients having quick sequential organ failure assessment score 2/3, systolic blood pressure ≤100 mmHg, respiratory rate ≥22/minute and altered mentation <15 (Glasgow coma scale) were included for this prospective observational study. Acute physiology and chronic health evaluation (APACHE) II score, MPV on days one and four, fibrinogen on days one and seven were tested. The number of days of intensive care unit (ICU), and hospital stay, in-hospital mortality was recorded. Categorical and continuous variables were tested using the chi-square test/Fisher’s exact test and analysis of variance/Kruskal-Wallis H test respectively.

Results The mean plasma fibrinogen at day one and day seven was significantly higher in patients who had septic shock and in expired patients. The mean MPV at day four was significantly higher in patients who expired compared to those who survived. The mean MPV on day four was significantly higher compared to the mean MPV at day one in patients who expired.

Conclusions Fibrinogen level at admission is the predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis or septic shock. An increase in MPV was strongly correlated with mortality and can be used as a prognostic indicator.