Diagnostic and prognostic significance of platelet indices and platelet lymphocyte ratio in Covid vs Dengue: An observational study

ABSTRACT Background: Both SARS-CoV and dengue virus share the same symptoms in the early stages and at times causing misdiagnosis, coinfections are common creating difficulties for the health care workers. Aim: Efforts were made to utilize the hematology parameters, Mean platelet volume and Platelet lymphocyte ratio (PLR) in early segregation, diagnosis and predicting the severity and prognosis of the cases and to determine, if further investigations or referrals would be required. Material and Methods: Observational study was conducted with 100 confirmed cases of COVID-19 and dengue patients. Results: Patients with COVID-19 present with leucopenia or leucocytosis, with Lymphopenia as the most significant finding, Platelet counts were adequate but Mean platelet volume (MPV) is insignificant and increased levels of PLR are related with bad prognosis. In Dengue, the white blood cells (WBC) count shows progressive leucopenia with lymphocytic predominance with atypical lymphocytes, thrombocytopenia with increased MPV and decreased PLR help in early diagnosis of dengue infection. Conclusion: Complete blood count (CBC) is the most common and inexpensive test performed in patients and has capacity to segregate and diagnose Covid 19 and Dengue cases at an early stage so that isolation and prompt treatment can be started early, decreasing the lead time and help in combating the pandemic. PLR and MPV can be used to predict the prognosis and complications and have usefulness in monitoring treatment response. RT-PCR and dengue serology can be done on selected cases when required decreasing the burden on the health system and its resources.