A Study of Platelet Count as a Marker of Severity of Hypoxic Ischemic Encephalopathy

The incidence of hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy (HIE) is reportedly high in countries with limited resources; It is one of the top 20 leading causes of burden of disease in all age groups (in terms of disability life adjusted years) by the world health organization (WHO) and is the fifth largest cause of death of children younger than 5 years(8%). The purpose of this study was to investigate variations in platelet count in blood associated with HIE and its relation with the severity of HIE. A prospective (case control) study was undertaken between august 2011 and october2013 in the neonatal intensive care unit. The study population was consisted of 50 full term infants with asphyxia (group-1) and 50 healthy new-born (group-2). During the first 48 hrs. of life reduced platelet counts were noted in severely asphyxiated groups ( HIE Gr-III) only. During the 2 time period[ (2-7) days] low counts were noted only in HIE Gr-2 categories. Low counts were noted in all three categories during the time periods of (7-14) days. Thrombocytopenia did not found in any cases of control groups. Reduced platelet count is a frequent findings in HIE. During the early period (0-2)days it is related to severity of HIE [found only in HIE Gr-III], but in the later period (3-14) days it may be found in all categories. Key word: Hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy, Thrombocytopenia, platelet count.