Abstract

Background: Infection is a common cause of thrombocytopenia. Detection of thrombocytopenia associated with fever helps to narrow differential diagnosis and management of fever. It also helps to know the various complications of thrombocytopenia and its management and outcome of the patient. Methods: 100 patients aged > 12 years with fever and thrombocytopenia seen between July 2020 to November 2021 were included for this study. Results: Infection was the commonest cause of thrombocytopenia and dengue was the commonest infection. Bleeding manifestations were seen in 12 % of patients. Petechiae/purpura as the commonest bleeding manifestation followed by gum bleeding. Good recovery was noted in 92% while 8% had mortality. 50% of patients with platelet count below 20,000 does not needed platelet transfusion. Conclusions: Infections, particularly dengue was the commonest cause of fever with thrombocytopenia. In majority of patients, thrombocytopenia was transient and asymptomatic but in significant number of cases there were bleeding manifestations. Spontaneous bleeding was noted in platelet count of < 20,000/mm3 in majority of patients, petechiae /purpura was seen in platelet count in range of 20,000-40,000/mm3. On treating the specific cause drastic improvement in platelet count was noted during discharge and further follow-up

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