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Thrombocytosis in pediatric patients is associated with severe lower respiratory tract inflammation

Vasiliki Vlacha1, Gavriela Feketea

  • 1Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology, Department of Pediatrics, University Hospital of Patras, Patras, Greece. vasovlaha@mail.gr

Archives of Medical Research
|July 11, 2006
PubMed

Insights

Thrombocytosis, or high platelet count, is common in pediatric lower respiratory tract infections and indicates a more severe illness. This finding is particularly linked to pleural effusion and can serve as a clinical marker for infection severity.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric infectious diseases
  • Hematology
  • Clinical pathology

Background:

  • Secondary thrombocytosis is linked to various clinical conditions.
  • Understanding its role in lower respiratory tract infections (LRTI) is crucial.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the incidence of thrombocytosis in pediatric LRTI.
  • To analyze the clinical significance and prognostic value of thrombocytosis in LRTI.

Main Methods:

  • A retrospective study of 102 pediatric patients hospitalized with LRTI over 30 months.
  • Platelet counts were analyzed, with thrombocytosis defined as >500 x 10(9)/L.

Main Results:

  • 48% of patients exhibited thrombocytosis.
  • Thrombocytotic patients were younger and presented with more severe illness, including respiratory distress and longer hospital stays.
  • Pleural effusion was almost exclusively observed in thrombocytotic patients.

Conclusions:

  • Thrombocytosis is a frequent finding in pediatric LRTI, correlating with increased disease severity.
  • The presence of thrombocytosis, especially with pleural effusion, may serve as a valuable clinical marker for LRTI severity.
Abstract

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