Etiology, treatment and outcome of pediatric thrombocytopenia due to infection: A prospective study

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is defined as decrease in the peripheral platelet count or low level of platelets in peripheral blood. Platelets are derived from megakaryocytes in the bone marrow. Platelets help in stoppage of bleeding. Objective: To evaluate the causes, treatment required for infections associated with thrombocytopenia and their outcome. Materials and Methods: This study was a prospective study over a period of 2 years between 2006 and 2007; total of 101 pediatric patients were included in this study between the ages 1 month and 15 years. Children with platelet count below 1, 50,000 /cu.mm were included. Results: The male to female ratio was 2:1. A seasonal pattern was observed, 25.7 % of cases were in June and 52.4 % of the cases were between June and September. History of fever was present in all cases followed by vomiting and rash. The outcome was good and 93.6 % of the cases were improved and discharged after full recovery. Conclusion: Dengue fever was the most common infection to causing thrombocytopenia followed by Non specific viral hemorrhagic fever and others. All the patients require good supportive treatment and specific treatment of etiology in case of other causes.