Evaluation of Platelet counts and its Indices in Various Clinical Conditions using Automated Hematology Analyzer in a Tertiary care Hospital

Abstract

ResultsAmong 501 cases, majority was between 40 and 60 years with male-female ratio of 1.9:1. Patients were categorized into 13 groups viz. Acute conditions (Fever, Sepsis, Inflammation e.g. appendicitis, pancreatic, hepatitis, etc.,), Chronic diseases (Diabetes, Hypertension, Tuberculosis), Antenatal cases, Diseases of Kidney, Liver, Lung, Cardiac, Neurology, Trauma cases, Snake bite, Hematological conditions, Dual diseases (any of the above two clinical conditions) and healthy individuals for Medical Check ups.Many presented with acute conditions (29.8%) followed by chronic diseases (9.8%). 77% (386 cases) had normal platelet count with 57 (11.4%) of thrombocytopenia and 58 (11.6%) of thrombocytosis with majority being fever and inflammatory conditions. (Table 1) Materials and Methods:It was a retrospective record based study for one month. Samples (n=501) were processed in ABX Pentra DF120 analyzer. To detect differences among various clinical conditions One-way ANNOVA test was used.Results: Of 501 samples, 386 (77%) showed normal counts, 57 (11.4%) with thrombocytopenia and 58 (11.6%) with thrombocytosis. Significant decrease in platelet count, PCT with increase in MPV, PDW was seen in cases of ITP and hepatic encephalopathy. Patients with bronchiectasis, fever and alcoholic liver disease showed increased MPV, PDW while tuberculosis and sepsis cases showed low levels with normal platelet counts. Conclusion:Platelet indices varied significantly in different clinical conditions. It can be used as an additional marker of platelet activation and inflammation.