Pattern and burden of thrombocytopenia in chronic hepatitis C virus patients at a tertiary care hospital

Abstract

Objective: To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in chronic Hepatitis C virus infection. Material and Methods: This Descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at department of Hematology, King Edward Medical University, Lahore from February 2023 to October 2023. A total of 143 patients of either gender with chronic Hepatitis C virus infection were included in the study. For every patient, a fresh 3 ml blood sample was collected by syringe using aseptic technique in a vacutainer containing EDTA. A complete blood count was carried out using Automated Hematology Analyzer and peripheral blood smear was prepared using Wright Giemsa stain to establish whether thrombocytopenia was present or not. Thrombocytopenia was assessed by Neubauer chamber. Results: Age range in this study was from 18 to 65 years with mean age of 44.132±7.34 years, mean duration of HCV 12.685±4.53 months and mean platelet count was 238076.923 ± 100165.08/µL. Thrombocytopenia was seen in 37.1% patients. Conclusion: Our results show that chronic hepatitis C infection is related to high frequency of thrombocytopenia. The higher the duration of disease process, higher is the risk of thrombocytopenia in these patients. This study highlights that identification by screening, timely diagnosis and treatment of Hepatitis C infection can prevent thrombocytopenia and its complications. Serial hematological follow up can play a pivotal role in such patients. Keywords: Chronic hepatitis, Hepatitis C virus, Thrombocytopenia