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[Postinfectious thrombocytosis as an acute phase reaction: the example of Haemophilus influenzae meningitis]
1Klinik für Pädiatrie, Medizinischen Universität zu Lübeck.
Insights
Postinfectious thrombocytosis in children with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and septicaemia follows a predictable pattern. Thrombocyte counts rise after antibiotic treatment, peaking around day 10, then normalize by day 20.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Infectious Diseases
- Hematology
- Microbiology
Context:
- Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and septicaemia are serious infections in children.
- Postinfectious thrombocytosis is a known complication.
- Understanding its course is crucial for patient management.
Purpose:
- To characterize the temporal profile of postinfectious thrombocytosis in children treated for Haemophilus influenzae infections.
- To identify factors influencing the severity and duration of thrombocytosis.
- To explore the relationship between thrombocytosis and acute phase reactants.
Summary:
- Eleven children with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis/septicaemia were studied for postinfectious thrombocytosis.
- Thrombocyte counts increased around day 5 of antibiotic therapy, peaking above 500,000/microliter between days 9-12, and normalizing by day 20.
- Thrombocytosis severity correlated with infection severity, complications (subdural effusions, secondary infections), and patient age.
- Inverse correlation between C-reactive protein and thrombocyte counts suggests a humoral influence on the acute phase response.
Impact:
- Provides a detailed timeline for expected thrombocytosis following H. influenzae infections.
- Highlights the role of infection severity and complications in modulating thrombocytosis.
- Suggests a link between inflammatory markers and platelet response, aiding in understanding disease pathogenesis.
Abstract:
The postinfectious thrombocytosis occurring in 11 children with Haemophilus influenzae meningitis and/or septicaemia shows regular progress. The rise of thrombocyte concentrations starts around the 5th day after onset of antibiotic therapy, reaches values above 500,000/microliter between the 9th and 12th day, and relapses afterwards to normal values, which are reached around the 20th day. The range of thrombocytosis is influenced by the severity and complications (subdural effusions, secondary infection) of the infection as well as by the age of the patient. An inverse course of serum concentrations of C-reactive protein and thrombocyte concentrations points to the influence of this humoral reaction on the thrombocytic acute phase reaction.