Clinical spectrum of thrombocytopenia in adult population of Karachi

ABSTRACT

To determine the etiology and clinical features of patients presenting with bleeding due to thrombocytopenia. Design: A cross sectional study. Place and Duration of Study The study was carried out at PNS Shifa Hospital, karachi during the period from 1994-1996. Subjects and A total of 500 consecutive patients of 15 years or more age with a platelet count of less than 150 x 109/l were included in the study. Complete blood count including platelets count was carried out by using electronic coulter counter model T-890 for each patient. Very low platelet count was also confirmed by manual method. Among 500 patients of thrombocytopenia the commonest cause was malaria consisting of 216 [43.2%] cases. Megaloblastic anemia was the leading hematological cause, comprising of 31 [6.2%] patients. Other miscellaneous causes like dengue hemorrhagic fever, idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia and leukemias were responsible for the rest of cases of thrombocytopenia. Epistaxis followed by gum bleeding was the leading clinical manifestation. We conclude that malaria and viral infections are common causes of transient thrombocytopenia. Epistaxis and gum bleeding are the leading clinical manifestations in various disease processes in adult population