Title: Assessment of Platelet Indices as Prognostic Markers in Seropositive Cases of Dengue
Authors: Dr Indumathi S, Dr Anoosha K, Dr Lakshmi V
DOI: https://dx.doi.org/10.18535/jmscr/v7i9.56
Abstract
Background: Dengue fever is the most prevalent arboviral disease globally and an increasing number of cases are being reported every year. The assessment of platelet count and platelet indices at an early stage in the disease helps to predict the life- threatening complications such as Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever and Dengue Shock Syndrome.
Materials and Methods: The current case- control study was undertaken at Sambhram Institute of Medical Sciences and Research, a rural tertiary care and teaching hospital in Kolar Gold Fields. During the recent dengue outbreak between June 2019 to August 2019 where in 75 seropositive cases of dengue were reported following clinical examination. Platelet count and platelet indices (Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet Distribution Width, Plateletcrit and Platelet- Large Cell Ratio) were carried out for these cases and results were tabulated. Similar tests were carried out on 75 apparently healthy controls and required parameters were obtained.
Results: Platelet counts ranged from 11- 429 x 103 mm3. 58 cases (77.33%) had thrombocytopenia. MPV ranged from 8-14 fL. 15 cases (20%) had increased MPV >12 fL. PDW ranged from 9-22.4. 21 cases (28%) had increased PDW > 14fL. PCT ranged from 0.04- 0.36 %. 60 cases (80%) had low plateletcrit<0.22%. P-LCR ranged from 12.8-52.4 %. 13 cases (17.33%) had increased P-LCR > 35 %. Statistically significant p values were found for Platelet count (p<0.0001), MPV (p=0.0006) and PCT (p=0.0003). The p- values for PDW (0.2966) and P-LCR (0.1229) were not found to be statistically significant.
Conclusion: Although dengue fever is predominant in urban and semi urban areas, an increasing in number of cases are being reported in rural areas. Platelet indices can be an early predictor of complications in dengue fever and thus benefit both Pathologists and Clinicians alike to forsee high-risk cases. It is an easily available, fast and cost effective means to ensure prompt management in a rural centers with limited resources. Platelet count, Mean platelet volume and Plateletcrit were found to be significant prognostic markers in the present study.
Keywords: Dengue fever, Platelet Count, Platelet Indices, Seropositive.
