A prospective study of platelet count as a prognostic indicator in burn septicemia

Abstract

Background: Septicemia is the most important cause of mortality in burns. Burn patients can only be saved if septicemia is detected early which requires very sensitive prognostic indicator. In this study, platelet count was studied as a prognostic indicator. Material and Methods: Present study is to be carried out on 50 burn cases (age > 15 years and burn surface area 20% to 70%) in Department of Surgery, J.L.N. Medical College and Associated Group of Hospitals, Ajmer during the period 2013 to 2016. Results: In non-survivors gradual decline in platelet count was observed on subsequent post-burn days till death of these patients. While in survivors gradual rise in platelet count was observed.Conclusion: Declining platelet count is a very sensitive prognostic factor in early detection of post burn septicemia.