Thrombocytopenia complicating the clinical course of leptospiral infection

Abstract

Leptospirosis can present with a wide clinical spectrum, and haematological manifestations are often apparent. We retrospectively analysed platelet counts in 49 patients with leptospirosis. Forty-three patients (87.8%) had thrombocytopenia. Mean baseline platelet counts rose from 69 x 10(9)/1 to 151 x 10(9)/1 following treatment. Haemorrhagic episodes were observed in 11 patients. Platelet nadir was 29 x 10(9)/1 in the group experiencing bleeding and 64 x 10(9)/1 in the remainder. Six patients died due to bleeding and one due to sepsis. Thirty-six patients (73.5%) had acute renal failure; their mean platelet count was 46 x 10(9)/1. Liver enzyme levels were elevated in all patients. Thrombocyte count, liver enzyme levels and bilirubin levels were significantly correlated. Forty-three (87.8%) patients showed signs of sepsis; mean thrombocyte count was 46 x 10(9)/1 in these patients, and 133 x 10(9)/1 in those without sepsis. Multiple organ involvement and fulminant disease is usually associated with renal failure and/or thrombocytopenia in leptospirosis.