Platelets, or thrombocytes, are blood components that play a crucial role in blood clotting and wound healing. They quickly work to stop bleeding and stimulate tissue regeneration. In cases of Dengue Fever (DF), a drastic decrease in platelet count becomes a primary indicator of the disease's severity. Regular monitoring of platelet counts is essential to determine bleeding risks and make appropriate medical decisions.

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are one of the blood components shaped like small discs and lack a cell nucleus. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow from large cells called megakaryocytes. When needed, platelets are released into the bloodstream.

Figure 1. Blood and its components, including platelets
(Source: bio.libretexts.org)

Platelets' Function in the Body

The primary function of platelets is to help in blood clotting to stop bleeding. When there is an injury or damage to blood vessels, platelets move to the injury site and adhere to the damaged vessel walls. Platelets then release chemicals that help narrow the blood vessels and trigger the formation of fibrin threads that close the wound. This process is known as hemostasis.

Specifically, platelets' functions in the body include:

• Stopping Bleeding (Hemostasis): Platelets form a platelet plug at the injury site, working with blood clotting factors to create a stable clot.
• Wound Healing: Platelets release growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration and wound healing.
• Body Defense: Platelets also play a role in the body's defense against infections by activating immune responses.

The Role and Relationship of Platelets with Dengue Fever (DF)

Dengue Fever (DF) is a disease caused by the dengue virus transmitted through the bite of Aedes aegypti mosquitoes. One of the main complications of DF is the drastic drop in platelet count, a condition known as thrombocytopenia. The dengue virus can affect platelets through several mechanisms:

• Platelet Destruction: The dengue virus can cause the direct destruction of platelets by the immune system.
• Inhibition of Platelet Production: Dengue virus infection can disrupt the function of bone marrow, thus reducing platelet production.
• Increased Platelet Utilization: In DF, damage to blood vessel walls causes plasma leakage and excessive activation of platelets, rapidly depleting platelet stocks.

Platelet Count Testing in DF

Platelet count testing is one of the crucial laboratory tests for monitoring patients with DF. The functions of platelet count testing in DF include:

• Monitoring Patient Health: Regularly measuring platelet counts helps doctors monitor the patient's condition and determine bleeding risks.
• Assessing Severity: A significant drop in platelet count indicates that the patient may experience severe DF or dengue shock syndrome.
• Medical Decision Making: Information about platelet counts helps doctors decide whether medical interventions such as platelet transfusions or intensive care are necessary.
• Evaluating Treatment Response: Changes in platelet counts can be used to evaluate the effectiveness of the treatment provided to the patient.

Platelets play a critical role in blood clotting and wound healing. In cases of Dengue Fever, platelets become a key component to monitor because a decrease in platelet count can indicate the severity of the disease and the risk of complications. Regular platelet count testing is crucial in managing DF patients to ensure appropriate medical actions are taken and prevent dangerous complications. One of the tools commonly used in hospital laboratories for counting the number of platelets in blood is the Hematology Analyzer.

Figure 2. FortaceDx H380, a hematology analyzer product from Isotekindo Hematology Analyzer

A hematology analyzer is a device used to measure and analyze various blood components, including platelet counts. This tool works by taking a blood sample and then using electrical impedance and optical analysis technology to accurately count and provide data on platelets and other blood components. In detecting platelet counts, the hematology analyzer provides quick and reliable results, which are essential for diagnosing and monitoring conditions such as Dengue Fever (DF), where platelet counts need to be closely monitored.

References:

1. Hoffman, R., Benz, E. J., Silberstein, L. E., Heslop, H. E., Weitz, J. I., Anastasi, J., & Salama, M. E. (2018). Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice (7th ed.). Elsevier. "Platelets play a crucial role in hemostasis, blood clotting, and wound healing through the mechanisms of aggregation and release of growth factors that aid in tissue regeneration."
2. Yobi Syumarta, Akmal M. Hanif, Erlina Rustam. (2014). "Hubungan Jumlah Trombosit, Hematokrit dan Hemoglobin dengan Derajat Klinik Demam Berdarah Dengue pada Pasien Dewasa di RSUP. M. Djamil Padang."