The immature platelet fraction (IPF), is an automated measure of reticulated platelets in the peripheral blood. The aim of this study was to use IPF to predict recovery of platelet counts in Dengue patients with rapidly dropping platelets counts.
A total of thirty two (32) dengue patients (NSI antigen or Anti-IgM positive) with a falling platelet count of <1,50,000/ul were selected. The platelet counts and IPF of these patients were followed up till recovery. None of these patients were transfused.
The largely unexplored co-relation between increase in base IPF levels and platelet counts in dengue patients shows great promise of becoming a reliable tool for decisions concerning platelet transfusions. The time lag between increased IPF levels and corresponding increases in platelet count appears to be around 24-48 hours and it is less than 24 hours from the point IPF levels peak. The knowledge that platelet recovery is probably imminent, based on IPF values,will help avoid unneccesary panic and cut cost. Hence it may be useful to measure IPF routinely to monitor platelet count in thrombocytopenic dengue patients which in turn will help avoid unnecessary transfusions solely based on low platelet counts.