Respiratory syncytial virus-positive bronchiolitis in hospitalized infants is associated with thrombocytosis

Isr Med Assoc J. 2010 Jan;12(1):39-41.

Abstract

Background: Secondary thrombocytosis is associated with a variety of clinical conditions, one of which is lower respiratory tract infection. However, reports on thrombocytosis induced by viral infections are scarce.

Objectives: To assess the rate of thrombocytosis (platelet count > 500 x 10(9)/L) in hospitalized infants with bronchiolitis and to investigate its potential role as an early marker of respiratory syncytial virus infection.

Methods: Clinical data on 469 infants aged < or = 4 months who were hospitalized for bronchiolitis were collected prospectively and compared between RSV-positive and RSV-negative infants.

Results: The rate of thrombocytosis was significantly higher in RSV-positive than RSV-negative infants (41.3% vs. 29.2%, P=0.031). The odds ratio of an infant with bronchiolitis and thrombocytosis to have a positive RSV infection compared to an infant with bronchiolitis and a normal platelet count was 1.7 (P= 0.023, 95% confidence interval 1.07-2.72). There was no significant difference in mean platelet count between the two groups.

Conclusions: RSV-positive bronchiolitis in hospitalized young infants is associated with thrombocytosis.

MeSH terms

  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / blood*
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / complications
  • Bronchiolitis, Viral / virology
  • Case-Control Studies
  • Female
  • Hospitalization*
  • Humans
  • Infant
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Israel
  • Male
  • Platelet Count
  • Prospective Studies
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / blood*
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / complications
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infections / diagnosis
  • Respiratory Syncytial Virus, Human*
  • Thrombocytosis / diagnosis
  • Thrombocytosis / epidemiology*
  • Thrombocytosis / virology*