Pivotal Role of Platelets in Critical Illness: Evidence Behind Clinical Interventions

Arteriosclerosis, chronic renal failure, and diabetes are all diseases in which the platelet cycle plays an important role. Effective interventions for these diseases are emerging from vascular biology in general and from the study of platelets in particular. Platelet cell processes are powerful modulators of immunology, thrombosis, fibrinolysis, and angiogenic responses. Platelet active drugs intervene in platelet activation, adhesion, aggregation, and secretion. The purpose of this article is to link the unfolding of platelet cell processes and the impact of platelet active medication therapy to the care of critically ill patients with selected diseases.