Frequency of Thrombocytopenia in Neonatal Sepsis in NICU Combined Military Hospital Peshawar

Abstract

Background and Aim: Neonatal sepsis continues to be a major cause of morbidity and mortality in developing countries. It is one of the most frequent hematologic complications in neonatal sepsis and it could be useful clinical marker for the severity of the illness. The present study was conducted to find out the frequency of thrombocytopenia in neonates of sepsis managed at NICU, Combined Military Hospital (CMH) Peshawar. Patients and Methods: This was a cross-sectional study conducted on 139 neonates (1–28 days of age) presenting to NICU, CMH, Peshawar during October 2024 to March 2025, with clinically and laboratory proven sepsis. An electronic hematology analyzer determined platelet counts. Thrombocytopenia was diagnosed based on a platelet count less than 150,000/µL and classified as mild (100,000–149,000/µL), moderate (50,000–99,000/µL) or severe (<50,000/µL). Demographic and clinical details collected and analyzed by descriptive statistics. Results: Among 139 neonates with sepsis, 82 (59%) was found to be thrombocytopenia. Of these, mild thrombocytopenia was observed in 25 (30.5%), moderate in 36 (43.9%), and 21 (25.6%) severe in neonates. The prevalence was more with the preterm neonates and late-onset sepsis. Male neonates represented slightly more ratio of cases with thrombocytopenia. Conclusion: Thrombocytopenia is a common hematological finding in neonates with sepsis, affecting more than half of the affected population in the NICU. Routine monitoring of platelet counts in septic neonates recommended for early identification and management, potentially improving clinical outcomes and reducing complications.