Clinical and etiological profile of patients with thrombocytopenia at tertiary care centre in north eastern part of India

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia is one of the common causes of morbidity and mortality. This is not a disease or infection, rather a symptom of other underlying medical condition or diseases. If left untreated these underlying problems of the disease which lead to thrombocytopenia can lead to serious medical illness even death.Objective: To study the causes and clinical presentation of thrombocytopenia in north eastern part of IndiaMaterial and Methods: Hospitalized patients of age more than or equal to 18 years with thrombocytopenia of any degree were included in study. Baseline platelet counts were done on the day of presentation and confirmed by manual method. Repeat platelet counts were done in subjects with marked thrombocytopenia until normal or near normal values were reached. Patients were followed up for 6 weeks for normalization of platelet counts and those who achieved it were classified as acute and those who were still thrombocytopenic classified as persistent or chronic.Results: A total of 800 patients admitted in medicine ward with low platelet counts were analyzed. Common causes of thrombocytopenia in our setting were sepsis in 14.4%, CLD in 12.9%, malaria in 12.2%, aplastic anemia in 11.9% and viral illness in 9.9%. Out of total 800 cases, 401 had acute and 399 had chronic thrombocytopenia. Bleeding occurred in only 28.6% patients. 61.7% patients also had fever.Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a common problem encountered in clinical practice. Knowledge of common causes of thrombocytopenia and their clinical manifestations will help in deciphering the cause of thrombocytopenia and formulating diagnostic and therapeutic strategy.