Haematological changes associated with typhoid fever

ABSTRACT

To determine haematological changes associated with typhoid fever. This study was conducted at King Edward Medical University, Lahore from March 2010 to March 2011. A total of 150 patients with confirmed diagnosis of Typhoid fever on the basis of Widal test or Typhidot test were enrolled in the study. CBC, peripheral smear, reticulocyte count, PT, APTT, FDPs and D-Dimers were performed on all the patients. Bone marrow biopsy was performed on 48 patients as a part of work up for pancytopenia and to get a bone marrow culture. Data was analyzed by SPSS. T test was applied to determine significant differences between quantitative variables and qualitative clinical data was compared using Chi square test. Cytopenias were found in 98% of the patients. Bone marrow showed prominent hemophagocytic activity in 100% of the patients. PT and APTT was also deranged in 48% of the patients. Typhoid fever affects hematological parameters significantly and these parameters may help not only in making the diagnosis but also help to guide management