Background: Platelet indices viz. Mean platelet volume (MPV), Platelet distribution width (PDW) and Platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) are measured in the automated cell counter. These indices are well utilized for certain conditions like idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura, aplastic anemia and other hemotological disorders to assess the prognosis. Platelet count is decreased in various conditions including infectious and non-infectious disease processes. Infectious conditions like dengue fever, malaria, rickettsia, leptospirosis cause fever and variable degree of thrombocytopenia. Hence a detailed study of platelet indices is undertaken in patients having fever with thrombocytopenia. Materials & Methods: Present study was a prospective study. A total of 150 patients were included over a period of 1 year from Jan 2011 to Dec 2011. Detailed histories, physical and clinical examination of the patients were done to assess the etiology of febrile thrombocytopenia. Serological investigations for dengue fever, leptospirosis and rickettsia were done for confirmation. Results: Majority of the cases were of viral fever (72.6%), which includes dengue fever (10.6%), followed by malaria (15.3%), septicemia (4.6%), enteric fever (4%), leptospirosis (2%), rickettsia & brucellosis (0.6%). The platelet indices PDW (74.6%), MPV (86.6%), P-LCR (80.6%) showed less significant changes. Conclusion: Platelet indices are not changed significantlyin febrile thrombocytopenic patients. Whenever patient with thrombocytopenia presents with changes in platelet indices, non infectious conditions should also be considered in differential diagnosis to manage the patients effectively for better clinical outcomes.

Keywords: Febrile Thrombocytopenia; Platelet Indices.