ObjectiveTo investigate the prognostic value of platelet volume indices ［mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW)］ in early period for patients with sepsis .MethodsThis retrospective study was conducted in a general ICU at a University Hospital from January 2015 to January 2017. Patients with sepsis were divided into a survival group and a death group according to 28-day prognosis. The demographic and clinical data were recorded and analyzed, including platelet indices, Charlson comorbidity index, Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score and Acute Physiology and Chronic Health Evaluation Ⅱ (APACHEⅡ) score. Multivariable COX proportional hazard ratio model was used to evaluate the 28-day mortality risk, and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were used to evaluate the value of platelet volume indices.ResultsA total of 209 patients were enrolled in this study. Mean arterial pressure, pH, platelet count, serum creatinine, bilirubin, troponin I, prothrombin time, GCS score and platelet volume indices showed significant differences between the survival group (n=137) and the death group (n=72) (all P<0.05). Multivariable COX regression analysis revealed that the PDW was independently associated with 28-day mortality in sepsis (HR=1.068, 95%CI 1.002-1.139, P=0.043). The area under the ROC curve of PDW was 0.762 (95%CI 0.694 - 0.831), with a sensitivity of 86% and a specificity of 63% at a cut-off value of 18.65%.ConclusionPDW can be used as a powerful prognostic indicator in patients with sepsis following 28-day.