Significance of Platelet Parameters as a Screening Test for Dengue Fever

Abstract

Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the role of various Platelet indices like mean platelet volume, platelet distribution width, and plateletcrit for screening of patients with dengue fever

Methodology: This retrospective observational study was conducted in the Hematology department in association with Dengue General Medical Outdoor of University of Health Sciences, The Children’s Hospital Lahore from September 2021 to December 2021 after massive disease load. A total of 125 patients were included. Data was collected using a structured proforma. Samples for Complete blood count were taken on the second day of symptoms onset in EDTA tubes. and analyzed on semi- automated Celtac-A hematology analyzer. Serological tests, including the NS1 antigen test, IgM, and IgG antibodies tests were performed on the fourth day of symptoms onset for confirmation of the screened-out patients. Statistical analysis was conducted using SPSS software. The student t-test was applied and a less than 0.05 p-value was taken to indicate a significant difference.

Results: Among the 125 patients, there were 74 males (59.2%) and 51 females (40.8%). Platelet count on second day was seen below 150,000 in 89 cases (71.2%) while 36 cases (28.8%) had normal platelet count. Out of the total positive NS-1 cases reduced MPV was seen in 88 cases (83.8%), raised PDW was seen in 103 cases (98%) and 81 cases (77.2%) showed reduced plateletcrit. The student t-test revealed that MPV and PDW were significantly higher in NS-1 positive cases (p < 0.05), while PCT showed no significant difference (p = 0.12).

Conclusion: Platelet parameters MPV, PDW, and PCT show changes at very early phase of dengue fever. Therefore, they prove to be useful markers for screening out patients with dengue fever.