Severe Thrombocytopenia in Dengue Fever and Vitamin B12 Level

To document correlation between vitamin B12 deficiency and severity of thrombocytopenia, platelate recovery and duration of hospital stay in dengue fever patients.

This prospective observationl study was done in dengue fever patient with severe prolonged thrombocytopenia (<20,000 µl and > 2 days duration). Patient with underlying malignancy, hematological disorders, septicemia, or use of any drug which may cause thrombocytopenia, were excluded. Standard statistical methods were used.

Total 40 subjects were included in current study. Twenty one were male and mean age was 25±12 years. Forty percent sujects were having B12 level < 200 pg/L and mean B12 level was 336.9±362.36 pg/L. SDP requirement was highest in B12<100 pg/L group was (3±1.41) as compmared to other groups Time required for recovery of platelates to 20000/µl thresold, was also highest in B12<100 pg/L group (5.75±0.95days) as compmared to other groups. Duration of hospital stay was also highest in B12<100 pg/L group (5.25±1.25days) as compmared to other groups. There was no relation between B12 levels and other complications of dengue like bleeding, serositis, and shock.

Our study suggests that B12 deficiency may responsible for severe thrombocytopenia; slower platelates count recovery and prolonged hospitalisation in dengue fever patients.