Frequency of Factors Leading to Thrombocytopenia Presenting to a Tertiary Care Hospital

Abstract

Thrombocytopenia is a common haematological abnormality encountered in hospitalised patients and is associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Identifying the underlying factors contributing to thrombocytopenia is essential for timely intervention and prevention of complications. Objective: To determine the frequency of factors leading to thrombocytopenia in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Methods: This cross-sectional study included 127 patients aged 18–80 years presenting with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/µL) from 12-02-2025 to 12-05-2025. Patients with autoimmune disorders, pregnancy, and known platelet disorders were excluded. All participants were evaluated for potential etiological factors, including sepsis, invasive catheter use, antibiotic exposure, and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia. Data were analysed using SPSS version 21, and results were expressed as frequencies and percentages. Results: The mean age of the patients was 51.9 ± 18.4 years, with 65 (51.2%) males and 62 (48.8%) females. Diabetes mellitus was present in 35 (27.6%) patients, while 46 (36.2%) had hypertension. Antibiotic exposure was the most frequent factor associated with thrombocytopenia, identified in 70 cases (55.1%), followed by sepsis in 54 cases (42.5%), invasive catheter use in 29 cases (22.8%), and heparin-induced thrombocytopenia in 21 cases (16.5%). Conclusion: Antibiotic exposure and sepsis were the most common factors associated with thrombocytopenia in patients presenting to a tertiary care hospital. Awareness and early identification of these factors may help reduce complications and improve patient outcomes.