Platelet Counts and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Background: Several cohort studies have shown an association between low platelet counts in the first day(s) of life and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. However, these results have not been confirmed by other studies. Objective: To perform a meta-analysis of all the studies addressing the relationship between platelet counts in the first day(s) of life and PDA in preterm infants. Methods: PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE were searched from their inception until December 2014. Results from 11 cohort studies involving 3,479 preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks) were pooled using random-effects modeling. Results: Meta-analysis showed a significant positive association between PDA and platelet counts <150 × 10 9 /l [6 studies, risk ratio (RR) = 1.215, 95% CI: 1.027–1.436], between PDA and platelet counts <100 × 10 9 /l (5 studies, RR = 1.255, 95% CI: 1.034– 1.525), and between significant PDA (SPDA) and platelet counts <100 × 10 9 /l (5 studies, RR = 1.254, 95% CI: 1.021– Received: March 17, 2015 Accepted after revision: May 11, 2015 Published online: July 7, 2015 Eduardo Villamor, MD, PhD Department of Pediatrics Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+) P. Debyelaan 25, PO Box 5800, NL–6202 AZ Maastricht (The Netherlands) E-Mail E.Villamor @ mumc.nl © 2015 S. Karger AG, Basel 1661–7800/15/1082–0143$39.50/0