BACKGROUND Thrombocytopenia may either be due to increased destruction or impaired production of platelets. Platelet count alone is not enough to determine the mechanism of low platelets. Platelet indices like mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet large cell ratio (P-LCR) and platelet crit (PCT) can help determine the cause and we aimed at finding their role and function in cases of thrombocytopenia. METHODS An observational cross-sectional study of 155 patients with thrombocytopenia and 71 controls was done for a period of six months in SGT Hospital, Gurugram, to determine the mechanism behind the low platelet count with the help of these indices. RESULTS The mean values of the platelet indices (PDW, P-LCR and PCT) were found to be higher in accelerated destruction group (P < 0.05) in comparison to hypoproductive group, whereas, mean MPV values were higher in the former, but was not statistically significant. On comparison with the controls, both the groups of thrombocytopenia showed a statistically significant difference with P < 0.005 in all the four indices. Mean PCT values showed a highly significant difference between the two groups as well as with controls (P < 0.001) and also the relationship of PCT with severity of thrombocytopenia showed a direct relationship which was also significant (P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS In distinguishing between the cause of thrombocytopenia i.e., hypoproductive or hyper destruction, platelet parameters play an important role. These platelet indices are easily available with the help of automated haematology analysers and can reduce the need for costly and invasive tests for evaluation of thrombocytopenia. KEY WORDS Mean Platelet Volume, Platelet crit, Platelet Distribution Width, Platelet Large Cell Ratio, Thrombocytopenia

Background: Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology (FNAC) has proven to be less costly and less invasive procedure than biopsy for diagnosing benign and malignant lesions. Of the two methods liquid based cytology (LBC) and conventional cytology (CC), LBC has been standardized as more efficacious in reporting in Gynaecological cases. But, this is still lacking in non-gynaecological cases and many studies are now focusing on studying LBC due to its proven advantages in Pap smear evaluation.Methods: An observational study of 72 patients with lung mass and 11 with mediastinal mass was done for a period of six months in a tertiary care hospital in Gurugram to compare the diagnostic efficacy of LBC and CC in fine needle aspirates from lung/mediastinal mass.Results: Of the 83 cases, reporting of LBC was adequate in 75 cases and CC in only 53 cases. LBC was better when differentiating malignant and benign lesions than CC. CC smears had better cellularity in comparison to LBC smears (36%), but rest cytological features of cytoplasmic detailing, cell architecture, less background debris and blood were all more appreciable in LBC smears than CC preparations.Conclusions: LBC is a better method than conventional smear for smear preparation and processing of aspirates obtained from lung and mediastinal mass.

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Introduction: Neonatal Sepsis is difcult to differentiate from other conditions due to non- specic clinical signs and symptoms. Inammation in neonates shows variations in hematological parameters. Our study is to evaluate the hematological parameters and C-reactive protein estimation in neonatal sepsis for early diagnosis. Material And Methods: It was a cross-sectional study including 80 neonates admitted in the neonatal care unit, 40 (proven sepsis) and 40 probable cases); blood culture being the gold standard. Hematological parameters, immature to total neutrophil ratio (I/T ratio), Absolute neutrophil count (ANC), CRP and Blood culture were done as per standard protocols. Results: ANC had highest sensitivity of 90% followed by I/T ratio (87.5%) and CRP (77.5%). The sensitivity and specicity for the combination of ANC and I/T ratio was 78.3% and 83.6% respectively. Conclusion: ANC, I/T Ratio and CRP are quick, simple and cost-effective routine laboratory tests which help in neonatal sepsis prediction and to start proper and timely antibiotic therapy.

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