Role of Carica papaya leaf extract tablets/capsules on platelet counts in cases of dengue thrombocytopenia

ABSTRACT

Background: Thrombocytopenia is the hallmark laboratory finding in dengue fever and leads to bleeding manifestations when reduced markedly. So, this causes panic amongst the patient and relatives about the possibility of severity and leading to various complications including bleeding tendencies. Platelet transfusion is the only definitive treatment and it is indicated only in severe cases with bleeding manifestations. Prophylactic platelet transfusion is not much useful unless it’s reduced below 10,000cells/cumm. Carica papaya leaf extract (CPLE) are believed to have some role in improving platelets and its role is unclear. Hence, this study is taken up to evaluate the role of CPLE in improving dengue thrombocytopenia.Methods: Total 500 patients were included in the study; out of which 380 were males and 120 were females. Patients of dengue fever with thrombocytopenia (Platelet count <1, 50,000 cells/cumm) matching inclusion criteria were included in the study. After the inclusion, patients were randomized into two groups. Study group and control group by simple randomization (even/odd method). The study group treated with CPLE 1100mg three times daily for five days along with symptomatic and supportive treatment. The control group was given only symptomatic and supportive treatment. The average platelet count, average duration of stay and transfusion requirement of platelets were compared using student ‘t’ test.Results: Increased platelet counts were noted early in the treated group than the controlled group. The average duration of hospital stay was 5.42±0.98 days in study group and 7.2±0.97 days in controlled group. The requirement of platelets is more in control group than study group and it was statistically significant.Conclusions: Carica papaya leaf extract tablets can be used in patients with dengue thrombocytopenia with clear advantages over control group