Is Dengue Fever Associated With Fall In Platelet Count And Black Stool?

Posted on Mon, 12 Oct 2015

Question: Dengue fever.

We have admitted the patient in the hospital having 30000 count.Blood platelet has been started inserting into the body.

Also patient was noticing black stool before getting admitted. Please suggest the best medication.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
BT,FFP and IVF's are the mainstay of treatment

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I understand your concern.

Dengue fever is associated with fall in platelet count, which can manifest as bleeding in the stool(black stool).

The best form of treatment for this Gastrointestinal bleed is a combination of-

1.Intravenous fluids/IVF.
2.Blood transfusion/BT.
3.Platelet and fresh frozen plasma/FFP transfusion.

These should be used based on lab parameters like Hematocrit value and platelet count and blood pressure.

Hence please check with your physician if he can prescribe them to you.

Once this therapy is instituted, black stool will automatically subside.

The above therapy is best given in an Intensive unit care setting.

Post your further queries if any.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (24 minutes later)

since last evening , we are not seeing black stools but stool has not happened either.How can we know FFP wud be required ... so far IVF and blood platlets transfusion has been done. we are also waiting for latest blood report

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (8 hours later)

Brief Answer:
FFP is needed if blood clotting abnormalities are detected.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I understand your concern.

There seems to be an improvement in patient's condition.

FFP is needed if there are abnormalities in blood clotting tests, otherwise IVF's and blood transfusion are enough.

Update me with recent test reports if any.

Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (17 minutes later)

after count sinks to 18000 , now moves to 22000....latest reports/medication

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (15 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Platelet count increase is a good sign

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

I understand your concern.

I have gone through the attached reports.

Elevation in the platelet count is a good sign.

But the count should be at least above 50,000 to prevent bleeding risks.

You seem to receive good treatment so far.

Additional Platelet transfusions for another 3-5 days will help.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (10 minutes later)

it is 51000 now after infusion today but she also had dark stool but not loose.

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (4 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Monitor HCT-hematocrit value

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

It is good that PLT count has crossed 50K.

Now dark stool will slowly resolve.

Monitor HCT value and update me.
Thank you.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (36 minutes later)

forgot one thing .... Haemoglobin came as 16.9 and she is female 26

Answered by Dr. Prasanna Heijebu (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Good levels of Hemoglobin.

Detailed Answer:
Hello, Madam.

16.9 gm% hemoglobin is an excellent value.A good sign.

Kindly monitor HCT (hematocrit) value as well.

This is more informative.

Thank you.

Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj