ABSTRACT
BACKGROUND/AIM: Clinical manifestations of sepsis are not caused directly by the invading pathogens, but rather mostly by systemic inflammation that leads to activation of the coagulation system. The aim of this study was to determine whether levels of hemostasis- related parameters measured in intensive care unit admissions are associated with mortality and severity in patients with sepsis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty-five patients who fulfilled criteria for a diagnosis of sepsis were included in our study. Platelet count, activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), prothrombin time (PT), thrombin time, D-dimer, and fibrinogen levels were determined within the first 24 h from sepsis onset. Differences between groups of septic patients were assessed by Mann-Whitney U test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Logistic regression analysis was performed to test the joint effect of different predictors. RESULTS: Prolonged aPTT and PT with higher D-dimer concentrations in patients with sepsis are associated with more severe forms of the disease, aPTT was prolonged in nonsurvivors, while platelet count and fibrinogen levels were higher in survivors. Platelet count and aPTT ratio are independent predictors of fatal outcome in our logistic regression model. CONCLUSION: Hemostasis-related parameters have a significant impact on severity and outcome in sepsis.