[Increase in mean platelet volume in shock-related thrombocytopenia].

In a retrospective study the mean platelet volume (MPV) was measured in citrated plasma of 16 patients with hypovolaemic or infectious toxic shock. Bone marrow examination was carried out in most cases. Eighty p. cent of the patients had an increase in MPV, and the increase persisted even after thrombocytopenia had regressed. Cytological examination of the bone marrow failed to provide evidence that bone marrow deficiency was a predominant factor in the pathogenesis of thrombocytopenia in any of these patients. In this particular patient population, bone marrow examination should be reserved to those cases where persistent thrombocytopenia coexists with normal MPV.