Role of Platelet Indices in Patients With Thrombocytopenia in Serologically Positive Dengue Patients

Background: Dengue fever (DENV) is one of the most rapidly spreading mosquito-borne viral diseases in the world. An estimated 50 million infections per year occur across approximately 100 countries. 30 fold increased incidence and geographic expansion with potential for further spread has been noted. Platelet count is a predictive prognostic factor of severe dengue. Besides platelet count, automation in haematology has provided newer parameters i.e., platelet indices like Plateletcrit (PCT), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Platelet Large Cell Count (P-LCC) and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (P-LCR). This study aims to analyse the relationship of platelet indices in thrombocytopenic dengue patients thus helping clinicians by providing quick and reliable diagnostic and prognostic findings. Objective: To analyse the relationship of platelet indices in thrombocytopenic dengue patients. Materials and Methods: A cross sectional, observational study at a tertiary health care centre over a period of 2 years including 113 dengue cases presenting with thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia was graded according to platelet count per ml as Grade 1 (75,000-1,50,000), Grade 2 (50,000-75,000), Grade 3 (25,000-50,000) and Grade 4 (