Demand for platelets is on the rise after a sharp rise in dengue cases in the city, health experts say. So much so, doctors are now worried about a health scare, especially because of the severity of the disease this season.
There were 117 dengue cases in September, compared to 65 in August and 52 in July .
"Three years ago, demand for platelets used to be for malaria. Now, it is for dengue. We have been seeing a surge in demand in the last few days and we are closely keeping a watch," said Dr Sanjay Jadhav, director, State Blood Transfusion Council.
Dr Lalit Pawar, blood transfusion officer, Sadguru Charitable Blood Bank, Koperkhairane, said: "Generally, we need 20-25 Random Donor Platelet a day. In the last two months, demand has gone up. Everyday, we provide 80-85 RDP. Sometimes, we are not able to provide RDP. Sometimes we ask relatives to donate blood to create RDP."
There are 310 blood banks across the state, of which 225 have the facility to separate and store platelets.
What's a platelet?
Platelet is a blood component that helps in blood clotting. A platelet transfusion is prescribed to dengue patients when its count falls below 20,000. When platelet count falls below 20,000, it may lead to spontaneous bleeding. Normal platelet count for individuals may range within 1.5-4 lakh.
Why's there a sudden rise in dengue cases?
"There seems to be a change in vector transmission. Compared to last year, we are seeing more dengue cases in October. Intermittent rainfall, change in temperature, environment and humidity are a few factors," Dr Om Shrivastav, director of the department of infectious diseases at Jaslok hospital, explains.
How scary can platelet count fall be?
Says Shrivastav, "We are seeing severe forms of dengue this year where the frequency in the dip of platelet count is very fast. For example, in 48 hours, the count can fall from 2 lakh to 10-15,000 and remain so for 5-7 days. In such cases, we have to hospitalise the patient, otherwise he may bleed spontaneously."
Why is there a scarcity of platelets?
Some doctors say many hospitals resort to platelet administration to be on safer side. This leads to increase in demand. Says Dr Khusrav Bajan, intensivist, PD Hinduja hospital, "There is a misuse of platelets by many. One should not go for platelet administration until the count has gone below 10,000. Transfusions are done even when the count is between 40,000 and 80,000. Many doctors suggest it, fearing bleeding." It's of utmost importance to monitor platelet count of patients with dengue symptoms regularly.
What's BMC saying?
Says Dr Mangala Gomare, who is in charge of the epidemiology department: "Hospitalisation cases are going up. We are seeing the same pattern of rise in dengue cases like last year. As a precautionary step, we have intensified our anti-dengue drive."
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