EVALUATION OF PLATELET COUNT AND PLATELET INDICES IN COVID-19 INFECTION

Background: Covid- 19 infection has caused global pandemic. One of the important pathogenic mechanisms of COVID19 infection is abnormal inflammatory response. Newer studies show that platelets play important role in inflammatory and immune responses. Platelet count and isolated platelet indices have been studied in COVID-19 infections. However comprehensive study of all platelet parameters is lacking. Hence, we analysed platelet count as well as platelet indices in COVID-19 patients in correlation with each-other. Methods: This is a cross-sectional observational study which included 101 COVID-19 patients whose platelet count and platelet indices were analysed using MINDRAY B-6000 Analyzer. Results: The study population consisted of 61 males and 40 females, and Maximum patients were in the age group of 61-70 years. 49 (47%) out of 101 patients had normal platelet count. Mild thrombocytopenia was seen in 38 (37.60%) patients. Mean MPV in the present study was 11.4 which is on the higher side of normal range of MPV. Mean PDW, P-LCC and P-LCR were significantly increased. Mean platelet count and PCT were within normal range in the present study. Conclusions: Platelet parameter derangements can be seen in COVID 19 infection, even in mild cases. Analysis of platelet counts and platelet indices can be used as useful method in monitoring and prognostication of COVID 19 patients. In COVID 19 patients having normal platelet count, platelet indices like PDW, P-LCC and P-LCR can be used for monitoring and evaluating treatment effect.