As part of the investigations in patients with critical COVID-19 disease, we first analysed the number of platelets and the proportion of immature platelets. It was observed that with increasing disease severity, platelet count decreased, while the immature platelet fraction (IPF) increased. Deceased patients exhibited significantly reduced platelet counts and significantly elevated IPF compared to survivors.
In addition, proteome analyses were carried out together with the group of Katrin Marcus. The data indicate that the results have enabled us to develop a better understanding of the underlying pathophysiological processes. In the lecture, these investigations will be discussed as a model for a systemic viral infection.