Paramountcy of platelet parameters in thrombocytopenia- Our hospital experience

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia defined as platelet count below 1,50,000ul. This fall in platelet count may be due to decreased production, increased destruction and pooling of platelets. The platelet parameters include platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW) obtained by automated cell counters. These help in knowing the pathomechanism of myriad cases of TCPs. Hence the present study was undertaken to know the variations and correlations of platelet parameters in various causes of TCPs. Materials and Methods: 700 blood samples of patients with platelet count <1>1,50,000 ul were studied. Hematological analysis was done by Sysmex KX-21. Platelet parameters of all the cases and control group were noted. The cases were grouped into various categories of A, B or C depending on mechanism of decrease in platelets. Data was analyzed and tested for statistical significance using one-way ANOVA and post hoc testing using Tukey's test. Results: Majority of the cases in the present study were in group A (75.3%), followed by group B (23.9%) and group C (0.6%). A higher value of MPV (10.15±1.30 fl) and PDW (14.44±2.35%) was found in group A compared to other categories. Significant results of MPV and PDW values were seen in group A and group B category. Conclusion: Platelet parameters like MPV and PDW obtained by automated cell counters together with platelet counts help us to know the pathomechanism of various causes of TCPs which inturn provides pivotal information for better management.