FREQUENCY OF THROMBOCYTOPENIA IN NEONATES WITH SEPSIS PRESENTING AT TERTIARY CARE HOSPITAL

Abstract

Background:
Neonatal sepsis is a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide and is frequently associated with haematological abnormalities, particularly thrombocytopenia. Thrombocytopenia in septic neonates may worsen clinical outcomes; however, local data regarding its frequency are limited.

Objective:
To determine the frequency of thrombocytopenia in neonates with sepsis presenting at a tertiary care hospital.

Methods:
This descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in the Department of Paediatrics, Hayatabad Medical Complex, Peshawar, over a period of six months after approval from the (CPSP)Ref N0 CPSP/REU/PED/2022/021/7227 HMC approval 1840 Dated 22-05-2024. A total of 171 neonates aged 1–28 days diagnosed with neonatal sepsis were enrolled using non-probability consecutive sampling. Thrombocytopenia was defined as a platelet count <150,000/µL on complete blood count. Data were analysed using IBM SPSS version 27. Frequencies and percentages were calculated for categorical variables, and associations were assessed using the Chi-square test, with p ≤0.05 considered statistically significant.

Results:
Out of 171 neonates, 96 (56.1%) were males and 75 (43.9%) were females. Thrombocytopenia was observed in 123 neonates, yielding a frequency of 71.9%. Thrombocytopenia was more common among males (74.0%), neonates aged 1–7 days (74.5%), and those from rural areas (74.0%); however, no statistically significant association was found with gender (p = 0.48), age group (p = 0.62), or area of residence (p = 0.39).

Conclusion:
Thrombocytopenia is a common haematological abnormality among neonates with sepsis. Routine monitoring of platelet counts in septic neonates is essential for early detection and timely management to potentially reduce complications.

Keywords: Neonatal sepsis; Thrombocytopenia; New-born; Platelet count; Pakistan