Clinicopathological Analysis of Thrombocytopenia: Cross-sectional Insights into Variability

Abstract

Introduction: Thrombocytopenia, characterized by low platelet levels, is common in hospitalized patients and can lead to excessive bleeding or bruising due to insufficient clotting. Causes include abnormal sequestration, increased peripheral destruction, or decreased bone marrow production. Symptoms range from asymptomatic presentation to easy bruising and prolonged bleeding, to even severe cases of internal bleeding.

Objectives: This study aimed to analyse adult thrombocytopenia cases through clinicopathological correlation, examining etiological factors, severity, and clinical presentations.

Methods: A three-month cross-sectional study was conducted, extracting data from patients with platelet counts below 100,000/µL.

Results: The study involved 100 patients (66% males, 34% females) aged 40-60 years. Platelet counts were <50,000 in 31% and 50,000-100,000 in 69% of patients. Causes included Dengue fever (26%), Malaria (8%), scrub typhus (8%), sepsis (9%), chronic liver disease (12%), acute kidney injury (3%), chronic kidney disease (13%), obstetric/gynaecological diseases (5%), malignancy (2%), acute decompensated heart failure (2%), acute gastroenteritis (5%), and haematological disorders (3%).

Conclusions: Dengue was the primary cause of thrombocytopenia, with chronic kidney and liver diseases as common non-infectious causes in our study. Fever and bleeding were the most prevalent symptoms. Early detection and ongoing care can prevent severe bleeding complications.