Platelets in the pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases in children (literature review)

At present, a subject of scientific interest is the interaction of immune systems and hemostasis. New data on their synergistic effect in various diseases have been obtained in the last decade, which allowed to introduce the concept of "immunothrombosis". Inflammation and thrombosis factors are capable of mutual activation and enhancement. A special role in these processes belongs to platelets, which are classified as cellular effectors of antimicrobial host defence. These cells are among the first to react to the pathogen when it enters the bloodstream. Platelet activation ensures the direct eradication of pathogens, the immune cells involvement, the formation of primary thrombi to prevent the spread of infection, and the coagulation system process start. However, microthrombosis can become uncontrollable and irreversible during continued activation. Platelet dysfunction may be associated with a hyperergic inflammatory response of the body and a severe disease course. Concomitant endothelial dysfunction intensifies hypercoagulation and inflammatory response, increasing the risk of systemic inflammatory processes. The review examines current data on the platelet role in the pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases in children, including destructive ones. KEYWORDS: hemostasis, platelets, immunity, inflammation, pneumonia, children, neutrophil extracellular traps, microthrombosis. FOR CITATION: Tolstova E.M., Besedina M.V., Zaytseva O.V., Kuzina S.R., Lokshina E.E., Haspekov D.V., Turishchev I.V., Belyaeva T.Yu. Platelets in the pathogenesis of infectious and inflammatory pulmonary diseases in children (literature review). Russian Journal of Woman and Child Health. 2024;7(1):58–63 (in Russ.). DOI: 10.32364/2618-8430-2024-7-1-9.