Keep tabs on BP, not just platelets

Doctors say until the temperature in Delhi comes down to 26 degrees, dengue cases will continue in the city.

More than the platelet count, it is important to monitor blood pressure as ultimately fluctuation in BP leads to damage to health and deaths.

President of the Heart Care Foundation of India, Dr K K Aggarwal said patients do not face problems due to a low platelet count.

“It is not the platelet count which is responsible for the suffering and worsening condition of dengue patients. Even if the count goes down as much as 10,000, it is not a dangerous situation. What is more important is that there is enough
gap between minimum and maximum blood pressure,” he said.

The gap should be at least 40 points for a dengue patient. If a low platelet count gets combined with a lesser gap in BP, it can lead to bursting of blood vessels, causing major harm, including permanent damage to certain organs.
Dr Aggarwal said if the gap is more than 40 points, then a patient can never die of dengue.

“Thus, BP should be monitored constantly. Patient should be given a lot of liquid to maintain the gap,” he added. He said when the temperatures come down to 26 degrees, then the cases will come down in the city.

Dr Vishwa Mohan Katoch, director, Indian Council of Medical Research said this year the dengue virus is less dangerous than other times.

However, as there is collected water everywhere, dengue is spreading quickly. He said other states are also under attack of dengue virus.

Delhi reported 39 new cases of dengue on Monday, taking the total number to 1211. Out of these, 1200 originated from the city, while 11 came from other states.

South Delhi Municipal Corporation has so far registered 457 cases, North Corporation 400 and East Delhi Municipal Corporation 299.