Haematological parameters and screening tests of haemostasis in children with sepsis: results from a tertiary care centre in India

Sepsis is a common cause of death in infants and children. Haemostatic abnormalities have been reported in such patients. There is scant information on the nature and frequency of these abnormalities in children especially from India. Our aim was to evaluate the nature and frequency of haematological and haemostatic abnormalities in children with sepsis. Fifty children between 1-10 years of age admitted with sepsis and 50 age-matched, healthy controls were included in the study. Complete blood counts, examination of stained peripheral blood film, prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), plasma fibrinogen, C-reactive protein, liver function tests and serum creatinine were done in all patients and controls. Prolonged PT and APTT were seen in 9 (18%) and 24 (48%) patients respectively. Plasma fibrinogen was decreased in 6% and increased in 8% patients. One or more haemostatic parameter was abnormal in 35 (70%) patients and in all patients who died.