Platelet indices in late preterm newborns

Abstract

Background: The current study objective was to compare blood platelet indices in late preterm newborns (LPN) and full term newborns (FTN).

Materials and methods: We recruited 58 LPN and 71 FTN. Platelet indices were estimated in blood samples collected from the umbilical artery.

Results: LPN demonstrated a decreased count of blood platelets (249 × 10³/μL) as compared to FTN (295 × 10³/μL), p < 0.001. Platelet hematocrit (PCT) also showed substantial differences in both groups (LPN = 0.2% vs. FTN = 0.23%; p < 0.001). Mean platelet volume (MPV) was found to be nearly the same (LPN = 7.98fl, FTN = 7.9fl). Platelet distribution width (PDW) was higher in LPN (52.8%) than in FTN (50.6%), p = 0.02. Large platelet count (LP) was lower in LPN (4.0%) in comparison with FTN (6.0%), (p = 0.01).

Conclusions: The obtained results may indicate immaturity of thrombopoiesis in newborns born late preterm. Decrease in platelet count, platelet hematocrit and large platelets can cause disturbances in the hemostatic system and lead to bleeding complications and can increase the risk of infections. Morphological parameters of blood platelets in infants born late preterm differ from those of term neonates as in other preterm infants. This reflects the immaturity of this newborn and shows the need to pay special diagnostic and therapeutic care to them.

Keywords:

• Platelet indices
• late preterm newborns
• morphology

Acknowledgements

The study was approved by the parturients and the Ethical Committee of the Medical University of Białystok, according to the guidelines for Good Medical Practice, permission number R-I-002/194/2013.

Declaration of interest

The authors report no conflicts of interest.