A STUDY ON PLATELET COUNT AND PLATELET INDICES IN NEONATAL SEPSIS IN A TERTIARY CARE CENTER

Abstract

Background: The present study is undertaken to evaluate Platelet count and platelet indices in diagnosis of neonatal sepsis.

Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted on 100 consecutive neonates (both inborn and out born), with clinical signs and symptoms of sepsis along with either positive culture (confirmed neonatal sepsis ) or other laboratory findings suggestive of bacterial and fungal infection in absence of positive cultures (probable sepsis), were included after written informed consent from parents.

Results: 71 (71.00%) out of 100 cases had increased values of Platelet Distribution Width. In Proven sepsis group 31(86.11%) cases had increased values of PDW, in Probable sepsis 31(63.27%) and in No sepsis group 9(60.00%) cases were having increased values of PDW. This difference was statistically not significant (P value is 0.08).

Conclusion: Platelet count and platelet indices, which are easily available hematological parameters in remote & resource poor areas of our country, should be taken into consideration for suspected cases of neonatal sepsis so that prompt treatment can be given, and morbidity and mortality can be reduced.

Keywords: Sepsis, TPC, MPV, PDW.