Safety of temporary interruption of antiplatelet therapy in dengue fever with thrombocytopenia

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia commonly occurs in dengue and may be complicated by bleeding. Dengue can occur in adults who may be on long term antiplatelet therapy for ischemic heart disease or stroke. In these cases, clinicians may temporarily discontinue antiplatelet therapy to minimize the risk of bleeding in the absence of clear guidelines. We conducted a retrospective cohort study of laboratory-confirmed adult dengue patients on antiplatelet therapy and evaluated participants whose antiplatelet therapy was continued versus discontinued. Primary outcome was a composite outcome of major adverse cardiac and cerebrovascular events (MACCE), and all-cause mortality in-hospital and for 1-year post discharge. Secondary outcomes were platelet and blood transfusion, and occurrence of dengue haemorrhagic fever (DHF), dengue shock syndrome, dengue with warning signs and severe dengue according to World Health Organization criteria. Discontinuation of antiplatelet therapy did not result in higher composite outcome (p=0.192). Continuation of antiplatelet therapy did not result in more platelet or blood transfusion (p=0.489 and p=0.567 respectively), DHF (p=0.923). Our results suggest that discontinuation or continuation of antiplatelet therapy based on clinical judgement in dengue with thrombocytopenia, is largely safe but further studies are needed.