Characterization of Platelet Biologic Markers in the Early Pathogenesis of Postoperative Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Animal models and limited human studies have suggested a plausible role for platelets in the pathogenesis and resolution of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). However, there are little data regarding the role of platelets in ARDS development. The objective of this study was to characterize the role of platelets in a postoperative ARDS model through an analysis of two platelet-specific biologic markers: thromboxane A (TxA ) and soluble CD-40-ligand (sCD40L). This was a nested case-control study of ARDS cases matched to non-ARDS controls. Blood samples were collected from a cohort of 500 patients undergoing thoracic, aortic vascular, or cardiac surgery that placed them at high-risk of developing postoperative ARDS. TxA and sCD40L were analyzed at baseline (prior to surgical incision) as well as 2 hours and 6 hours after the key intraoperative events believed to be associated with increased risk of postoperative ARDS. Of 500 patients enrolled, 20 ARDS cases were matched 1:2 to non-ARDS controls based on age, sex, surgical procedure, and surgical lung injury prediction score. Those who developed ARDS had longer surgeries, greater fluid administration, and higher peak inspiratory pressures. There were no significant differences in levels of TxA or sCD40L at baseline, at 2 hours, or at 6 hours. There was also no difference in the change in biomarker concentration between baseline and 2 hours or baseline and 6 hours. Two novel platelet-associated biologic markers (TxA and sCD40L) were not elevated in patients who developed ARDS in a postoperative ARDS model. Although limited by the relatively small study size, these results do not support a clear role for platelets in the early pathogenesis of postoperative ARDS.