Role of platelet count as an early prognostic indicator on pediatric intensive care unit outcomes

Abstract EN

Background: Thrombocytopenia has been shown to be an independent predictor for mortality and prolonged hospital staying in critically ill pediatric intensive care unit patients (PICU) Aims: Evaluating the relationship between platelet counts at admission, platelet course, length of hospital staying and outcomes.

Method: Prospective Observational Study.

Population: All patients admitted more than four days in pediatric intensive care unit at El Gala Teaching Hospital over the course of one year.

Results: Thrombocytopenia detected in 30% of patients on admission.

Mortality was higher in thrombocytopenic than non- thrombocytopenic patients (64.1% vs.

30.8%, p= 0.000 respectively).

Length of PICU staying was found to be statistically significant in thrombocytopenic patients (p= 0.004).

MV, CVC and coagulopathy were found to be significant risk factors for thrombocytopenia.

Leukocytosis, increased ALT, AST, BUN, Cr, total bilirubin, PT, PTT and INR were found to be statistically significant in thrombocytopenic patients.

There was highly statistically significant difference was found between mortality and low platelet count on 1st, 4th, 7th day of admission.

Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia and falling of platelet counts are associated with increased risk of mortality and prolonged hospital staying.