The effect of in-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia on the outcome of patients with acute coronary syndromes: A systematic review and meta-analysis

Background: In-hospital acquired thrombocytopenia (TP) is relatively common among patients hospitalized with acute coronary syndromes (ACS). However, its effect on short-term and long-term outcomes has yet to be reviewed systematically.

Methods: We conducted a systematic review and meta-analysis of clinical studies assessing the relationship between new-onset in-hospital TP and adverse outcomes among ACS patients. MEDLINE, Scopus and the Cochrane Library were searched for eligible studies published before March 20, 2016.

Results: Ten studies reporting on a total of 142,161 ACS patients were identified. 8133 patients showed evidence of new-onset TP during the course of their hospitalization. Compared with patients with normal platelet counts, patients with new-onset TP had a prolonged in-hospital stay, significantly higher risk of both short-term mortality (<30days) (Odds ratio (OR) [95% confidence interval (CI)]: 5.58 [3.63-8.57]) and late death (6months to 1year) (OR [95% CI]: 3.45 [2.35-5.07]), as well as a significantly higher risk of major bleeding events in the first 30days (OR [95% CI]: 6.93 [5.13-9.38]). In addition, risk for other secondary cardiovascular endpoints, including recurrent myocardial infarction, stroke, in-hospital heart failure, stent thrombosis and unplanned revascularization was also significantly higher in the TP versus the no TP group.

Conclusions: Development of TP during the in-hospital management of ACS patients is a significant predictor of both short- and long-term adverse events, including mortality. In the light of this evidence, clinicians should be cautious and closely monitor abnormal platelet counts that present early following an ACS.