“Fight the Bite”- Role of Platelet Indices and Haematocrit in Dengue Fever Patients: A Prospective Observational Study

Introduction: Dengue fever is a major public health problem in tropical and subtropical countries0.1 It is a mosquito-borne viral disease affecting 50 million humans every year across the globe.1,2 Due to its diverse clinical manifestation and severe complications, early and accurate diagnosis is critical for apt treatment.3Hence haematological parameter like haematocrit and platelet indices aids in early diagnosis of patients who can go in for complications and candidates who need transfusion. Objective: To assess the haematological parameters like platelet indices and haematocrit and correlation between them in dengue fever patients. Methodology: This is a cross-sectional study conducted on patients who visited SSMCH, Tumkur from May 2023 to July 2024. Blood samples were collected from suspected cases in EDTA tube and haematological parameters were like haematocrit and platelet indices (platelet count, platelet volumeMPV, platelet distribution widthPDW and plateletcritPCT) were observed using HORIBAYumizen 500. Data was analysed using SPSS version 22. 0 and 'p' value was calculated using chi square test. Results: A total of 150 seropositive cases were studied in which majority were Dengue NS1 positive (79%). Adults and slight male preponderance was noted. 125 cases (83.3%) showed low platelet count (50% which was also an important indicator in the management of dengue fever. 'p' value is <0.05 was statistically signicant and also was in concordance with other similar studies. Conclusion: This study showed most of the patients were Dengue NS1 positive with thrombocytopenia. Platelet indices and haematocrit are also useful for monitoring the prognosis of the patients with dengue fever.