ABSTRACT

Aim: To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in newborns admitted to NICU with neonatal sepsis.

Study design: Retrospective/observational study

Place and duration: Department of pediatrics and Neonatology, Capital Hospital Islamabad during from 1-06-2019 to 31-12-2019.

Methods: Total 85 neonates of both genders admitted to NICU due to neonatal sepsis were enrolled in this study. Patients detailed demographics and clinical characteristics were recorded after written consent from parents/ guardians. Thrombocytopenia was defined as platelet counts <150000/µL. Frequency of thrombocytopenia was examined as mild, moderate, severe and very severe. Mortality associated with thrombocytopenia was examined.

Results: Forty eight (56.47%) were males while 37 (43.53%) were females. 60 (70.59%) patients had early onset sepsis while 25 (29.41%) had late onset sepsis. 62 (72.94%) patients had gram negative organisms while 23 (27.06%) patients had gram positive organisms. Thrombocytopenia was found in 58 (68.24%) patients, 12 (20.68%) had mild, 15 (25.86%) had moderate, 23 (39.66%) had severe and 8 (13.79%) had very severe thrombocytopenia. 21/85 (24.71%) patients died in which 18 had thrombocytopenia.

Conclusion: The frequency of thrombocytopenia was quite high in neonates with neonatal sepsis. Mortality rate was also high in patients with thrombocytopenia as compared to without thrombocytopenia.