Abstract

Scoring systems such as Paediatric Logistic Organ Dysfunction (PELOD) & Paediatric Risk of Mortality (PRISM) were established to objectively evaluate prognosis in critically sick children. Early identification and interventions in critical sick children can improve clinical outcomes. Recent investigations suggests that platelet count can vary in different disease conditions apart from blood related diseases. This study aims to determine the effect of platelet counts and its fluctuation on the mortality, morbidity and on the duration of hospital stay. This will enable us to forecast outcomes using easy and early investigations. Aims & Objectives: To study effect of platelet count (thrombocytopenia and thrombocytosis) on mortality & morbidity in Paediatric Intensive Care Unit. Methodology: It was an observational study. A total of 122 paediatric patients were selected in the study after confirming inclusion criteria. Platelet count were recorded at admission and after 72hrs in all patients. Data variables included were complete blood count, serum electrolytes, mechanical ventilation days, need for inotropes and blood transfusion, duration of PICU stay and final outcome (discharge or death). PRISM III scoring was done in all patients. Survival and mortality were considered primary outcome, while length of stay in PICU was the secondary outcome. Results: In this study, there was significant association between thrombocytopenia and need for inotropic support (p <0.01), higher duration of hospital stay (p 0.026), mortality (p <0.01), PRISM III score (p <0.01), but no significant relation with thrombocytosis. Conclusion: Despite the paucity of data, only platelet count can be used as biomarker for predicting mortality and morbidity in critically ill children. We recommend further studies with larger sample sizes to confirm the above findings.

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