Sepsis Diagnosis via Platelet Function Assay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for diagnosing sepsis in adults are inadequate for early detection, as they rely on unreliable indicators such as thrombocytopenia and platelet function tests that do not correlate with disease severity, and there is a need for a more reliable and efficient means to assess platelet function in sepsis patients.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the use of CRP-XL and convulxin as agonistic agents to stimulate platelet-specific (hem-)ITAM receptors, measuring platelet function levels through flow cytometry, aggregometry, or other methods to diagnose sepsis by comparing patient samples to reference values, indicating sepsis severity or risk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current diagnostic methods relying on thrombocytopenia and platelet function tests are used, then sepsis diagnosis can be performed, but the reliability and accuracy of early detection is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the diagnostic parameter from platelet count (thrombocytopenia) to platelet function activation state. By measuring the activation state of platelets through specific functional assays rather than simply counting platelets, the diagnosis achieves both high reliability and early detection accuracy, resolving the contradiction between reliable diagnosis and precise early detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/counting-based diagnostic approach (thrombocytopenia measurement) with a functional/biochemical assessment approach. Instead of mechanically counting platelets to assess thrombocytopenia, the invention uses biochemical assays to measure platelet activation markers and function, thereby achieving more reliable and precise early sepsis detection.
2Loss of time
If platelet count is used as a diagnostic marker, then sepsis can be identified according to SOFA score, but the marker does not provide early detection before organ failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by detecting platelet activation markers before organ failure occurs. The activation state of platelets changes earlier in the sepsis pathway than platelet count depletion, allowing diagnosis to be made in advance of organ failure. This preliminary detection capability reduces the loss of time for early diagnosis while maintaining high reliability through functional assessment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent inverts the conventional diagnostic logic by not waiting for platelet count to decrease (thrombocytopenia) but instead detecting the activation state of platelets early in the disease process. This inversion of the diagnostic approach—measuring function rather than quantity—enables early detection with high reliability before organ failure sets in.
3Productivity
If HORM collagen is used to stimulate GPVI receptor, then platelet aggregation can be measured, but the agonist does not bind selectively to GPVI
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses CRP-XL as a more selective intermediary agonist for GPVI receptor stimulation compared to HORM collagen. CRP-XL provides better selectivity for GPVI while still effectively inducing platelet aggregation, thereby improving measurement precision without sacrificing productivity. The intermediary agonist CRP-XL mediates the stimulation with higher receptor specificity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach allows for early and accurate diagnosis of sepsis by assessing platelet function, providing a reliable indicator of sepsis severity and risk, potentially leading to timely intervention and improved patient outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
stimulating a platelet-specific (hem-)ITAM receptor by adding a (hem-)ITAM receptor agonistic agent to said sample, wherein said agonistic agent comprises CRP-XL and/or convulxin
Implementation Method 2
measuring a platelet function level by means of flow cytometry
Implementation Method 3
measuring a platelet function level by means of flow cytometry
Implementation Method 4
measuring a platelet function level by means of aggregometry
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a method of diagnosing a human sepsis. The present invention further relates to a kit for diagnosing a human sepsis. The present invention also relates to a point-of-care device for performing a method of diagnosing a human sepsis. The present invention also relates to a use of a kit and/or a point-of-care device for a method of diagnosing a human sepsis. The present invention also relates to the use of a kit and/or a point-of-care device for a method of diagnosing a human sepsis. The method comprises stimulating a platelet-specific (hem-)ITAM receptor by adding a (hem-)ITAM receptor agonistic agent to a blood sample of a patient, wherein said agonistic agent comprises CRP-XL and/or convulxin, and measuring a platelet function level.