Thrombocytopenia and CoViD-19 pairing in the ICU

CoViD-19 is a viral zoonosis caused by the coronavirus strain (SARS-CoV-2), with acute respiratory failure being its most severe manifestation. Our aim was to determine the influence of thrombocytopenia on the severity and outcome of patients with COVID-19 admitted to the intensive care unit. Thrombocytopenia was most prevalent in elderly patients [61 - 80 years], and occurred during the first week of hospitalization. Two risk factors associated with thrombocytopenia were identified: disseminated intravascular coagulation and associated superinfections. The mortality of CoViD-19 patients is five times higher in cases of thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia is therefore a poor prognostic factor that can easily be used to identify patients at risk in CoViD-19.