Significance of Platelet indices in dengue fever patients

Abstract

Dengue is a tropical viral disease caused by dengue virus with varied clinical features ranging from dengue fever to dengue shock syndrome. During a dengue infection, there is thrombocytopenia with platelet activation and various theories are proposed for the same. The aim of our study was to record and analyze the variations in the platelet parameters such as MPV, PDW, Plateletocrit (PCT) and Platelet Count (PC) in dengue infected patients and to establish their significance in patient prognostication. Our study is the first of its kind reported from Kerala, India. Our study revealed  a low MPV <9fl (8.5 fl) shows sensitivity for dengue fever.  Moderate thrombocytopenia with increase in mean platelet volume indicated good marrow response and suggests a good prognosis. A sudden dip in MPV and increase in platelet count may be taken as an early indication of recovery and plan discharge accordingly.  Mean Platelet Volume and Plateletcrit along with platelet count are reliable parameters to establish good patient prognosis in dengue infection.