Immature platelet fraction in patients diagnosed with COVID-19.

Background: The recent pandemic caused by the newly identified virus, SARS-Cov-2 is associated with thromboembolic events. Patients infected with COVID-19 have been found to have thrombocytopenia. A decrease in platelet count may be caused by increased destruction and consumption of platelets or by decreased production of platelets in the bone marrow. Immature platelet fraction (IPF) is a new platelet parameter that is an indicator for peripheral destruction and consumption of platelets.

Objectives: To assess the immature platelet fraction (IPF) in patients infected with COVID-19.

Materials And Methods: The present study is a retrospective study where secondary data obtained from previous laboratory records of COVID-positive patients admitted at a tertiary care hospital in Delhi from 4 January to 4 February 2022 was analyzed. Sixty-eight COVID-positive patients were included. Platelet parameters included from the automated hematology analyzer Mindray were platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), immature platelet fraction (IPF), and platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR). Data was analyzed using SPSS Version 25. A P value less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results: In the present study mild thrombocytopenia was noted in 40% of the patients infected with COVID-19 admitted to the hospital. The median platelet count in these patients was found to be 91,000/mm3 (64,000-1,31,000). Low platelet count was associated with a significantly higher IPF, MPV, PDW, P-LCR, and a significantly lower PCT as compared to patients infected with COVID-19 with normal platelet count. There was a significant increase in IPF with a decrease in platelet count (P value < 0.05). A significant increase in IPF was noted with an increase in MPV and P-LCR (P value < 0.05).

Interpretation And Conclusion: The present study suggests that thrombocytopenia in patients infected with COVID-19 may probably be due to peripheral destruction and consumption of platelets.