Effect of papaya leaf extract on thrombocytopenia in children with dengue fever at a tertiary care center in Karachi
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61529/idjp.v35i1.472Abstract
Background: Dengue fever causes thrombocytopenia in children and may lead to serious complications. This study assessed the efficacy of Carica papaya leaf extract in improving platelet counts among pediatric patients with dengue-associated thrombocytopenia.
Material and Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted at the Pediatric Department, Dr. Ziauddin Hospital, Karachi (1st June to 30th August 2025). 107 children aged 2–12 years with dengue associated thrombocytopenia were enrolled and randomized into intervention group (n = 55), receiving Carica papaya leaf extract syrup plus standard therapy, and a control group (n = 52), receiving standard therapy only. Platelet counts were recorded on Day 1 and Day 3. Secondary outcomes included hemoglobin, WBC count, packed cell volume, platelet transfusion requirement, and PICU admissions. Statistical analysis was performed using SPSS version 20 with p < 0.05 considered significant.
Results: Among 107 pediatric dengue patients (55 intervention, 52 control), baseline platelet counts were similar (median 109 ×10⁹/L, IQR 88). By Day 3, counts increased slightly in both groups (median 115 ×10⁹/L, IQR 81) with no significant difference (p = 0.968). PICU admissions were higher in the intervention group (16.4% vs. 3.8%), and more patients required platelet transfusions (3 vs. 1). Overall, Carica papaya leaf extract did not significantly improve platelet counts or clinical outcomes.
Conclusion: Short-term use of Carica papaya leaf extract did not significantly improve platelet counts or clinical outcomes in pediatric dengue patients. Larger, long-term studies are needed to confirm its efficacy.
Keywords: Carica papaya leaf extract, Dengue, Randomized controlled trial, Thrombocytopenia
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