Platelet Indices and the Severity of Dengue Infection in Children

Abstract

Aim:Dengue is becoming endemic in India. The reported case-fatality rate in India is 3-5%. Thrombocytopenia is the most common finding. Platelet indices are gaining importance in the illness. To study the platelet indices in children with dengue infection and to note their relationship with the severity of disease.Materials and Methods:Observational record-based study done over 12 months at a medical college hospital in costal Karnataka. Platelet parameters were noted from the hospital-based data system and compared with the severity of disease (Bleeding score, Severity score, Warning signs and Duration of stay).Results:Out of 125 dengue positive patients studied, 83% had mean platelet volume below 9fl, 68% had platelet distribution width below 18, 64% had plateletcrit (PCT) below 0.1%, 57% had a platelet count fall below 1 lakh during their illness. PCT showed a significant correlation (p=0.001) with decreasing and increasing trends of the platelet count and a similar relation to the severity of the disease. Patients had a longer duration of stay (>4days) when platelet counts decreased to less than 1 lakh during their illness compared to those with more than 1 lakh (73% vs 35%). Platelet counts below 1 lakh were noted in 85% (37 of 44) of patients with warning signs as compared to 41% (34 of 81) of patients without warning signs.Conclusion:Platelet indices are decreased in dengue infection. A decreased platelet count and PCT correlate with the severity of the infection.

Keywords

• Platelet indices
• dengue infection
• severity