Platelet dysfunction contributes to bleeding complications in patients with probable leptospirosis.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Severe leptospirosis is frequently complicated by a hemorrhagic diathesis, of which the pathogenesis is still largely unknown. Thrombocytopenia is common, but often not to the degree that spontaneous bleeding is expected. We hypothesized that the hemorrhagic complications are not only related to thrombocytopenia, but also to platelet dysfunction, and that increased binding of von Willebrand factor (VWF) to platelets is involved in both platelet dysfunction and increased platelet clearance.

Methodology/principal findings

A prospective study was carried out in Semarang, Indonesia, enrolling 33 hospitalized patients with probable leptospirosis, of whom 15 developed clinical bleeding, and 25 healthy controls. Platelet activation and reactivity were determined using fl

SUBMITTER: Tunjungputri RN 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC5626517 | biostudies-literature | 2017 Sep

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature