Evaluation of platelet count, erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein levels among pediatric patients with inflammatory and infectious disease

Abstract Background Inflammatory and infectious diseases are the major causes of morbidity and mortality. The identification of markers for the assessment of disease activity and response to treatment can improve long-term prognosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate platelet count, c-reactive protein (CRP) and erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) among patients with inflammatory and infectious disease. Methods This cross-sectional study was conducted in the pediatric immunology and infectious units of Shahid Madani hospital of Khorramabad. 150 children with diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory diseases were included in the study. Platelet count, ESR and CRP were measured at the time of hospitalization and thereafter, the recovery phase. A questionnaire including demographic information, diagnosis and paraclinical data was completed. The statistical analyses were performed using the SPSS v.15 software. Results The results showed that 50% of the children were male and 50% were female. At the time of hospitalization, 150 children (100%) had abnormal ESR, 110 (73.3%) had abnormal CRP and 12 (92%) had alterations in platelet count. At the time of discharge, 1(0.7%) patient had normal ESR, 132 (88%) had normal CRP and 140 patients (93.3%) had normal platelet count. At the time of discharge, we found a significant difference between the levels of CRP and platelet in females. Conclusion This study showed that CRP level is more useful for the treatment follow-up of the patients. Changes in platelet count are likely to be more prevalent in female gender.