Emergency Medicine (Ukraine) · Published 2026-05-10 · DOI 10.22141/2224-0586.22.3.2026.2016
Background. Platelets are highly sensitive to changes in the internal environment and play a key role in hemostasis, inflammation, and immune response. Burn injury is associated with significant alterations in platelet count and function, contributing to coagulopathy and adverse clinical outcomes. The purpose was to summarize current evidence on platelet hemostasis disorders in burn disease, with a focus on pathophysiology, biomarkers, and treatment approaches. Materials and methods. A literature search was conducted using CrossRef, Scopus, Google Scholar, and PubMed databases for the period from 2017 to 2026. The search strategy combined structured descriptive approaches with manual screening of relevant publications. Observational studies and reviews addressing platelet dysfunction in burn patients were included. Results. Thrombocytopenia in burn patients is primarily associated with increased platelet consumption and destruction due to inflammatory mediators, endothelial damage, and activation of coagulation pathways. Early decreases in fibrinogen may impair platelet aggregation. Several biomarkers demonstrate diagnostic and prognostic potential, including platelet count and its dynamics, mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, immature platelet fraction, inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein, procalcitonin, interleukin-6), and coagulation parameters (D-dimer, fibrinogen, antithrombin III). Additional indicators include markers of endothelial dysfunction and organ failure. Severe thrombocytopenia (< 50 × 109/L) requires urgent clinical management. However, platelet transfusion in sepsis remains controversial due to potential risks such as hypercoagulability and thrombotic complications. Conclusions. Platelet dysfunction plays a central role in the pathogenesis of burn-related coagulopathy and sepsis. Further research is needed to improve diagnostic strategies and develop targeted therapies aimed at optimizing platelet function and reducing inflammation in burn patients.
Abstract from DOAJ. Public domain (CC0 1.0).
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