European Journal of Molecular & Clinical Medicine

Abstract

Background: Fever is a common problem in medicine since it is the occult presentation of common diseases rather than actual disorders. Although infection is the most prevalent cause of thrombocytopenia, thrombocytopenia accompanied by fever aids in the differential diagnosis and management of fever. The present study aimed to evaluate the clinical and laboratory profile of cases of fever with thrombocytopenia.
Methods: Based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria a total of n=160 cases were included in the study. A detailed history was obtained regarding the duration of fever, and history of travel. Symptoms of headache, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, anorexia, myalgia, gum bleeding, oliguria, hematuria, and weight loss were noted. Rashes, dehydration signs, petechiae, jaundice, lymphadenopathy, hepatomegaly, splenomegaly, anemia, abdominal pain, altered sensorium, and other symptoms were noted.
Results: The common cause of fever with thrombocytopenia in this study was Dengue in 53.12% of cases followed by malaria in 13.75% cases and septicemia and enteric fever was the cause in 6.25% of cases. Cases of both dengue and malaria were detected in 5% of cases and leptospirosis was in 3.12% cases and unspecified cases were 12.5%. The mean platelet count in the study was 55600/mm³. N=37(23.12%) of cases in the study were having platelet counts below 40000/mm³.
Conclusion: The most prevalent cause of fever in people with thrombocytopenia is infection. Dengue was the most prevalent cause of febrile thrombocytopenia, followed by malaria, particularly in epidemic situations. Early identification of the causative infection of febrile thrombocytopenia followed by appropriate treatment will lead to complete recovery and a good outcome.