Kinetics of mean platelet volume predicts mortality in patients with septic shock.

MPV increase during the first 15 days after ICU admission in non-survivors was observed during septic shock and 10-day MPV >11.6fL was an independent predictive factor of 90-day mortality. This could be explained by the emergent response to acute platelet loss during septic shock, leading to megakaryocyte rupture to produce new but potentially immature platelets in the circulation. Therefore, continuous monitoring of MPV may be a useful parameter to stratify mortality risk in septic shock.