Frequency of different causes of thrombocytosis among patients presenting to tertiary care hospital.

Abstract

Objective: To assess the prevalence and underlying causes of thrombocytosis among patients seeking medical attention at a prominent tertiary care facility located in Lahore. Thrombocytosis, characterized by an elevated platelet count, can signify an array of underlying health conditions, and this research seeks to unravel the frequency of these causes within the study population. Study Design: Cross-sectional. Setting: Department of Pathology, Allama Iqbal Medical College and Jinnah Hospital. Period: November 2019 to May 2020. Methods: A total of 150 patients were carefully selected from diverse medical specialties, including but not limited to medical, surgical, gynecological, obstetric, gastroenterological, nephrological, and intensive care units. The diagnostic criteria for thrombocytosis were aligned with the operational definition provided by the World Health Organization (platelet count exceeding >450 x 10^9/L) during the stipulated study period. Statistical analysis of gathered data was performed using SPSS version 17.0. Results: The findings of the study showcased that infections and iron deficiency emerged as the predominant contributors to thrombocytosis among the adult patient cohort. These factors were trailed by conditions like chronic infections, trauma accompanied by blood loss, and instances of splenectomy. Interestingly, instances of primary thrombocytosis, notably essential thrombocythemia, constituted a mere 2% of the overall sample size, signifying its rarity within this adult population. Conclusion: In the realm of thrombocytosis, the research highlights a notable prevalence of secondary thrombocytosis, while primary thrombocytosis remains a considerably infrequent occurrence among adults. The study emphasizes the significance of infections and iron deficiency anemia as the leading triggers for secondary thrombocytosis. Such insights contribute to an improved understanding of the spectrum of conditions associated with elevated platelet counts and may aid clinicians in effectively diagnosing and managing these underlying causes.