Platelet Count and Risk of Severe Illness in Hospitalized Children with Influenza-Like Illness.

Sergei Elber-DorozkoLiya KeremDana WolfShlomit BrodieYackov BerkunRebecca BrooksOded Breuer
Published in: Acta paediatrica (Oslo, Norway : 1992) (2023)
5,171 children were included in the study cohort (median age 0.8 years; Interquartile range, 0.2-1.8; 58% male). Younger age and not the type of viral infection was associated with a high platelet count (p<0.001). Elevated platelet count independently predicted admission outcomes (p≤0.05). The presence of thrombocytosis was associated with an increased risk for a prolonged length of stay (odds ratio=1.2; 95% Confidence interval=1.1-1.4; p=0.003) and admission to the pediatric intensive care unit (odds ratio=1.5; 95% Confidence interval =1.1-2.0; p=0.002) Conclusion: In children admitted with an influenza-like illness, a high platelet count is an independent predictor of admission outcomes. Platelet count may be used to improve risk assessment and management decisions in these pediatric patients. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.