Red Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Count Ratio Reference Intervals in Premature Infants Beyond the First Week of Life

Abstract

Objective: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter of complete blood count (CBC). The RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) is a new index that has been shown to reflect the severity of inflammation. We aim to determine the reference interval (RI) of RPR for premature newborns. Study design: The medical records of preterm infants who were followed up between January 2016 and December 2018 were reviewed. CBC levels were measured in 144 infants at <72 hours of age. Results: CBCs of infants (gestational age from 28 to 35weeks) had a RI of 0.038–0.126 for the RPR. The RI for RPR in infants with a gestational age of 32–35weeks was 0.042–0.129; and the RI for infants at 28–31weeks was 0.022–0.121. Conclusion: Establishment of RI for RPR in premature infants will allow clinical correlation of RPR alterations in this population.

Keywords:

• Automated cell counter
• platelet
• red blood cell
• red cell distribution width
• premature

Author contributions

EGK, YU, MA and KH contributed to the concept and design the work. EGK, YU, FY, EYA and KH drafted the work or revised it critically for important intellectual content. All the authors have acquisited, analyzed or interpretated of data for the work. All the authors have accepted responsibility for the entire content of this submitted manuscript and approved submission.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.

Additional information

Funding

The author(s) reported there is no funding associated with the work featured in this article.