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Updated: Oct 21, 2025
Microfluidics in Assessing Platelet Function
Published on: November 8, 2024
The immature platelet fraction, a predictive tool for early recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia: a
Visula Abeysuriya1, Suranjith L Seneviratne1,2, Primesh de Mel1
1Nawaloka Hospital Research and Education Foundation, Nawaloka Hospitals PLC, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka.
Background:
There is a paucity of predictive factors for early recovery from thrombocytopenia related to dengue. The immature platelet fraction (IPF%) is reflective of megakaryopoiesis and may correlate with recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia. Our objective was to assess the predictive value of IPF% on days 2 and 3 of illness for recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia.
Methods:
A prospective study was conducted among patients with dengue admitted to our institution (Nawaloka Hospital PLC) from December 2019 to October 2020. Dengue was diagnosed based on positive non-structural antigen 1 or IgM. IPF% data were extracted from the Sysmex-XN-1000 automated hematology analyzer. Clinical data were obtained from electronic medical records. Statistical analyses were performed using SPSS version 20.
Results:
We included 240 patients. An IPF% on day 2 of illness of >7.15% had a sensitivity of 80.0% and specificity of 70.4% for prediction of platelet recovery (defined as platelet count ≥60×109/L) on day 7 of illness. An IPF% of >7.25% on day 3 of illness had a sensitivity of 88.9% and specificity of 47.1% for predicting platelet recovery >60×109/L on day 8 of illness. The IPF% was significantly lower in patients with severe dengue. Platelet recovery was observed within 48 h after the peak IPF% was reached, regardless of severity.
Conclusion:
We propose that IPF% values on days 2 and 3 of illness are a promising predictive tool for early recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia.
Insights
Immature platelet fraction (IPF%) can predict early recovery from dengue-related thrombocytopenia. Higher IPF% on days 2 and 3 of illness indicates faster platelet count normalization, aiding clinical management.
Area of Science:
- Hematology
- Infectious Diseases
- Clinical Diagnostics
Background:
- Dengue virus infection frequently causes thrombocytopenia, complicating patient management.
- Predictive markers for timely recovery from dengue-associated low platelet counts are limited.
- Immature platelet fraction (IPF%) reflects bone marrow megakaryopoiesis and may indicate recovery potential.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the predictive capability of IPF% on days 2 and 3 of illness for recovery from thrombocytopenia in dengue patients.
- To determine the diagnostic accuracy of IPF% in forecasting platelet count normalization.
Main Methods:
- Prospective study of 240 dengue patients diagnosed via NS1 antigen or IgM.
- IPF% measured using Sysmex-XN-1000 automated hematology analyzer.
- Clinical data collected from electronic medical records; statistical analysis performed using SPSS v20.
Main Results:
- An IPF% >7.15% on day 2 predicted platelet recovery (≥60×10^9/L) by day 7 with 80% sensitivity and 70.4% specificity.
- An IPF% >7.25% on day 3 predicted recovery by day 8 with 88.9% sensitivity and 47.1% specificity.
- Lower IPF% observed in severe dengue cases; platelet recovery occurred within 48 hours of peak IPF%.
Conclusions:
- IPF% on days 2 and 3 of dengue illness shows promise as a predictive tool for early platelet count recovery.
- IPF% can aid clinicians in anticipating recovery timelines and managing dengue-related thrombocytopenia.
- This biomarker may help differentiate recovery trajectories in dengue patients.
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