EFFECT ON PLATELETS DURING DENGUE

Platelets are pieces of very large cells in the bone marrow called megakaryocytes. It's platelets that help blood clots slow or stop bleeding and help wounds heal. Having less than required or high than required, or having platelets that don’t work as they should can lead to many problems or we can say many serious problems. Usually, platelet count ranges stay between 150000 to 450000 platelets per microliter of blood. If someone is having a platelet count of more than 450000, that condition is called thrombocytosis and if someone is having blood count of less than 150000, that condition is called thrombocytopenia.

 

 

To understand the effect on platelets during dengue, we should understand what low platelet count in dengue means and why they decrease during dengue fever.

 

 

WHAT DOES THROMBOCYTOPENIA (LOW PLATELET COUNT) MEAN IN DENGUE?

 

As per the World Health Organization, thrombocytopenia is considered a criterion to assess the severity of the disease. The low platelet count in dengue means the lack of ability of the blood to clot and the lack of ability to fight infections

 

 

REASON FOR DECREASE IN PLATELETS DURING DENGUE FEVER

 

 

The normal immune system gets affected because of a decrease in platelet count, and it happens due to a particular reason.  In dengue fever, the count of platelets gets less as it suppresses the bone marrow (the site where platelets produce). Another reason why platelets decrease in dengue is because the blood cells are affected by the virus which is the reason for platelet damage. During dengue fever, a large number of platelets destroys due to produced antibodies.

 

 

WHEN PLATELETS START TO DECREASE IN DENGUE FEVER

 

 

The drop in platelet counts usually starts happening significantly by day 4 of illness. In adults, the drop in platelets is slightly moderate between days 3 to 7 of illness and gets normal by days 8 to 9.

 

 

HEALTH EFFECTS

 

-If one is in normal condition, he/she will get a prolonged fever with symptoms of headache, vomiting affecting health, ability to work, and fatigue.

 

- While having severe dengue if there is a decrease in the patient's platelet count, bleeding spots will be on the skin, some other parts of the body, and also plasma leakage.

 

 

Sohana Hospital in Mohali is known as one of the best hospitals not only in Mohali but also in the entire North India for dengue treatment and care. We provide the best overall health advice and care for patients to ensure their sound health.