Unraveling Thrombocytopenia, A Study of Platelets Indices in Varied Etiologies

^{1,2,3,6,7,9,10}Peshawar Medical and Dental College, Peshawar, Pakistan

⁴Jalalabad Ragib Rabeya Medical College, Bangladesh

⁵Internal Medicine department, Hayatabad Medical complex, Peshawar, Pakistan

⁸Internal Medicine department, Mardan Medical Complex, Mardan, Pakistan

¹²Radiation Oncology Department, Shifa International Hospital Islamabad, Pakistan

*Corresponding author: Dr Furqan Ul Haq, Radiation Oncology Shifa International Hospital Limited, Islamabad, Pakistan, Tel: +923440971512, Email: [email protected]

Received Date: March 11, 2025

Published Date: March 28, 2025

Citation: Khan WS, et al. (2025). Unraveling Thrombocytopenia, A Study of Platelets Indices in Varied Etiologies. Mathews J Cytol Histol. 9(1):31.

Copyrights: Khan WS, et al. © (2025).

ABSTRACT

Background: Thrombocytopenia, characterized by a reduced platelet count, is a common hematological abnormality with diverse underlying causes, broadly classified into hypo-productive and hyper-destructive mechanisms. Platelet indices, including Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (PLCR), provide valuable insights into the pathophysiology of thrombocytopenia and may help differentiate its etiology. Introduction: Thrombocytopenia, a hematological condition defined by a reduced platelet count, arises from varied etiologies, broadly categorized into hypo-productive and hyper-destructive mechanisms. Differentiating between these causes is crucial for appropriate diagnosis and management. Platelet indices such as Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (PLCR) serve as potential biomarkers to distinguish between these underlying mechanisms. Aim of the study: This study aims to analyze platelet indices in thrombocytopenic patients and correlate them with bone marrow biopsy findings to enhance diagnostic precision in evaluating thrombocytopenia. Objectives: 1. To evaluate platelet indices, including Platelet Distribution Width (PDW), Mean Platelet Volume (MPV), and Platelet Large Cell Ratio (PLCR), in thrombocytopenic patients to differentiate between hypo-productive and hyper-destructive etiologies. 2. By correlating these indices with bone marrow biopsy findings, the study seeks to enhance the understanding of thrombocytopenia’s pathophysiological mechanisms and improve diagnostic accuracy. Methodology: This cross sectional analytical study was done in tertiary care hospitals of Peshawar from 1^st January 2022 to June 2024. Cases of both the genders and all ages, when referred to the hematology section for workup of a thrombocytopenia were included. Bone marrow biopsies were taken to find the causes of low platelet counts. If any of the platelet index was missing, that case was excluded. Platelet indices were compared in all different cases of thrombocytopenia and with normal control groups. Quantitative variables were analyzed by mean, standard deviation and independent sample t-test or Mann Whitney test. Frequency and percentages were used for the qualitative data. Results: One hundred thirty-four cases with low platelet count were analyzed. Mean age of the study population was 29.3±26, with a range of one year to 105 years, with eighty-seven (64%) males and forty-seven (36%) females. Platelet distribution width, Mean Platelet Volume and Platelet Large Cell Ratio were comparatively low in hypo productive thrombocytopenia group as compared to hyper destructive one (13±1.7 versus 14.5±3, 9.3±1.7 versus 9.4±1.9 and 24.7±8.1 versus 25.6±9.6 respectively). Conclusion: Platelet indices were comparatively lower in cases of hypo productive thrombocytopenia as compared to hyper destructive cases. Thus, comparative study of platelet indices between these two groups of thrombocytopenia gives an idea of the underlying cause.

Keywords: Thrombocytopenia, Platelet Indices, Platelet Distribution Width, Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet Large Cell Ratio, Bone Marrow Biopsy, Hypo-Productive Thrombocytopenia, Hyper-Destructive Thrombocytopenia, Hematological Disorders.