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Platelet decrease after CRRT initiation linked to in-hospital mortality rates
SAN DIEGO — Patients initiated on continuous renal replacement therapies, known as CRRT, experienced significant platelet decreases, according to data presented at ASN Kidney Week 2018.
“We found that platelet drop after CRRT is common,” Benjamin Griffin, MD, of the University of Colorado, said at the meeting. “It happened in about two-thirds of our patients. It’s significant. It's usually in the range of about 30% to 50%, so it’s a significant drop in the platelets.”
The researchers categorized patients based on the platelet percentage decrease from pre-CRRT levels to amounts after CRRT initiation. Three categories were used, which included no decrease (platelet increase from baseline), mild decrease (0% to 50% decrease) and severe decrease (>50% decrease).
Platelet counts decreased in 65.6% of patients, with 24.7% experiencing a decrease of more than 50%, according to the study. In-hospital mortality occurred in 72 patients (46.7%). Griffin noted that patients in the tertile with a greater than 50% decrease had significantly higher mortality rates than other patients. In-hospital mortality occurred in 46.7% of patients, and those with a severe decrease in platelets were 3.16-times more likely to die in the hospital compared to patients with an increase in platelets after adjusting for confounders, the researchers wrote.
Although there was a statistically significant correlation between a severe platelet decrease after CRRT initiation and an increased risk of in-hospital mortality, the researchers concluded further study is required to determine the mechanism of platelet decrease and its impact on mortality. – by Kristine Houck, MA, ELS
Reference:
Griffin B, et al. Paper SA-PO553. Presented at: ASN Kidney Week; Oct. 23-28, 2018; San Diego.
Disclosure: Griffin reports no relevant financial disclosures.