Does prematurity affect platelet indices?

PURPOSE The current study objective was to compare blood platelet indices in preterm newborns (PTN) and full term newborns (FTN). MATERIALS AND METHODS We introduced to our study 51 PTN (25 females, 26 males) and 55 FTN (25 females, 30 males). Platelet indices were estimated in blood samples collected from the umbilical artery. RESULTS PTN demonstrated a decreased count of blood platelets (197 x 103/microL) as compared to FTN (287 x 103/microL), p=0.0001. Platelet hematocrit (PCT) also showed substantial differences in both groups (PTN=0.16% vs. FTN=0.22%; p=0.001). Mean platelet volume (MPV) was found to be nearly the same (PTN=8.02 fl, FTN=7.79 fl). Platelet distribution width (PDW) was higher in PTN (50.64%) than in FTN (46.54%), p=0.021. Large platelet count (LPLT) was diminished in PTN (5.23%) in comparison with FTN (6.12 %). CONCLUSIONS A decreased count of blood platelets, platelet hematocrit and increased platelet distribution width may result from a low gestational age or a dysfunction of megakaryocytes and the placenta. Blood platelet indices may be vital in the diagnosis of haemostatic disorders.