Blood platelet level and platelet aggregation in adult respiratory distress syndrome

39 patients after surgery for generalized peritonitis with adult respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in the postoperative period have been examined. It is suggested that platelets play a certain role in the pathogenesis of ARDS and may serve as one of the mechanisms triggering disturbances in the function of both pulmonary vessels and respiratory airways. The degree of changes in platelet number and aggregation "below" and "above" the lungs may predict the severity of ARDS.