COMPARISON OF PLATELET INDICES IN HYPOPRODUCTIVE AND HYPERDESTRUCTIVE THROMBOCYTOPENIA

Background: Thrombocytopenia is one of the most common haematological disorders and is also a life-threatening condition. The two types of thrombocytopenia, hypoproductive and hyperdestructive can best be distinguished by bone marrow examination; but it is an invasive, time-consuming and expensive process. The aim of this study was to determine the role of platelets indices in distinguishing between the two types which is a cost-effective and non-invasive modality of investigations. Methods: It was a cross-sectional study, conducted in the Pathology Laboratory, Rehman Medical Institute, Peshawar, conducted from 1st July 2019 to 30th June 2020. Non-probability convenience sampling technique was used. Sample size was calculated using WHO formula, and a total of 74 thrombocytopenic patients referred for bone marrow aspirate and trephine biopsy were included in the study. Clinical record, complete blood count (CBC) and bone marrow trephine biopsy were obtained and computed. Results: Mean Platelet Volume was 10.57±1.33 fl in hypoproductive group and 11.637±1.98 fl in hyperdestructive group. The difference between the groups was statistically significant (p=0.017). Platelet Distribution Width was 12.68±3.16 fl in hypoproductive group and 14.811±3.61 fl in hyperdestructive group (p=0.014). Platelet Large Cell Ratio was 30.81±9.23% in hypoproductive group and 36.993±10.25% in hyperdestructive group (p=0.010). Conclusion: Platelet indices can be used as a reliable tool for distinguishing between hypoproductive and hyperdestructive thrombocytopenia. Pak J Physiol 2021;17(2):3–6