Thrombocytopenia in children: a clinico-etiological profile in an urban tertiary care hospital

ABSTRACT

Background: Thrombocytopenia is a common haematological finding that we come across while managing a sick child. Etiological profile and presentation of thrombocytopenia varies among children. The objective of this study was to study the clinical and laboratory profile of children with thrombocytopenia, associated clinical complications and assess the relationship between platelet levels and severity of disease.Methods: The study was carried out in 644 children between 1 month and 12 years, admitted in Paediatric Department of Raja Rajeshwari medical college and hospital, Bangalore between August 2012 to August 2014.Results: The commonest causes of thrombocytopenia in our study were of infectious aetiology (86.6%). Among Infections Viral infections were the major cause in more than 78% of cases. Other causes included haematological problems, drug induced thrombocytopenia and connective tissue disorders. Bleeding manifestations were present in 33.07% of patients and the commonest bleeds were skin and mucous membranes. Bleeding manifestations were seen most commonly in children with a platelet count less than 50000/'l.Conclusions: Viral Infections were the commonest cause for thrombocytopenia in Children. Platelet count was neither predictive of bleeding manifestations nor predictive of need for platelet transfusion.