# Estimation of Prevalence of Thrombocytopenia in Cyanotic Congenital Heart Disease: A Cross-Sectional Study Among the Pediatric Population

## TL;DR

This study finds that nearly 20% of children with cyanotic congenital heart disease have low platelet counts, which could impact surgical outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides new prevalence data on thrombocytopenia in pediatric patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects.

## Key findings

- Thrombocytopenia was found in 19.4% of children with cyanotic congenital heart disease.
- Thrombocytopenia was significantly associated with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).
- Low platelet counts may pose risks during and after surgery for these patients.

## Abstract

Background

Congenital heart disease (CHD) is one of the leading causes of mortality in India, with the majority being attributed to cyanotic conditions. Hence, it is crucial to assess the factors that play a significant role in patient prognosis in heart defects of a child. The present cross-sectional study assessed the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects (CCHD). The objectives of our study were to assess the levels of platelets in various cyanotic congenital heart defects and then infer the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in these patients as a whole.

Methodology

The study population comprised children aged fifteen days to twelve years with two-dimensional (2D) echocardiography confirmation of CHD; those who were critically ill, had proven sepsis, and were not willing to participate in the study were excluded. Blood samples of enrolled patients were obtained and collected in ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid (EDTA) tubes for assessment. The prevalence was then calculated. Results were obtained and interpreted based on these observations.

Result

Out of 268 children with CHD, 52 reported thrombocytopenia, and the prevalence rate was found to be 19.4. The comparative analysis of thrombocytopenia showed a significant p-value only in cases with total anomalous pulmonary venous connection (TAPVC).

Conclusion

Patients with cyanotic congenital heart defects are often diagnosed with various hematological derangements, and while hemoglobin levels are usually seen to rise, significant thrombocytopenia is reported in these patients. The low platelet counts often pose a risk peri-surgically and can also affect the surgical outcomes of the patient. Therefore, it is imperative to study further the relationship between thrombocytopenia and an independent risk factor for patient prognosis in patients of CCHD.