Immature platelet fraction in Dengue cases

Abstract

Background: Immature Platelet Fraction (IPF) is an index of thrombopoiesis which quantitates reticulated platelets that have been recently released from the bone marrow. Objectives: To find out the association between the status of immature platelet fraction (IPF) and the recovery of platelets in patients with dengue. Methods & Materials: A prospective study was designed done to find out the association between the status of immature platelet fraction (IPF) and the recovery of platelets in 45 Dengue confirmed (positive NS1 or IgM antibody dengue test) cases whose platelet count was less than one lakh/cumm with or without a downward trend. Platelet count and IPF were estimated using Sysmex XE-2100 (Sysmex, Kobe, Japan). Complete blood count was recorded simultaneously and peripheral smears were studied in all these cases with a note for the presence of large platelets on smear. The cases were managed conservatively. The work was carried out after an approval from Institutional ethics committee. Data was analysed statistically. Results: Among the recovery of platelets, 86.4% showed recovery within 24hrs and the rest with 48 hrs after attaining peak IPF value. A single value IPF more than 10% was indicative of platelet recovery within 24-48 Hours. A positive correlation was observed among immature platelet fraction (IPF) level and the recovery of platelets in those patients with dengue. Conclusion: IPF had a positive correlation with recovery of platelet counts in patients with dengue infections. Hence, Practitioners handling Dengue cases may be oriented to look for IPF, and consider it before referral or active intervention.