Thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus

Objective: To evaluate the frequency of thrombocytopenia in chronic liver disease due to hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Method: In this prospective study, patients with chronic liver disease (CLD) due to HCV were assessed using Child-Pugh class. All had full blood count, peripheral smear, Anti-HCV antibodies, abdominal ultrasound and esophagogastroduodenoscopy. Results: Total number of patients were one hundred and fifty five, out of which eighty six (55.5%) were female. Mean age was 43.58 years. Fifty patients (32.3%) had thrombocytopenia (platelet count <150,000/mm3). After excluding patients with esophageal varices (Forty five patients, (29.03%), the frequency of thrombocytopenia was 4.76%. Gender had no effect, however thrombocytopenia was more common (26.5%) in older age group (>40 years) as compared to age <40 years (5.8%). Conclusions: Thrombocytopenia is a common and important finding in CLD due to HCV. Patients presenting with lone thrombocytopenia should be screened for HCV, especially in endemic areas or where blood and blood products are not properly screened.