Platelet Indices in Preterm Neonates: A Prospective Study

Introduction: Platelets in neonates are necessary for hemostasis, phagocytosis, and for maintaining blood vessel integrity. Physiological status of newborn affects hemostatic mechanism. Prematurity, birth asphyxia, and small for gestational age babies are associated with hemostatic abnormalities. The aim of this study was to compare blood platelet indices in preterm neonates and full-term appropriate for gestational age (AGA) neonates and to check whether prematurity affects platelet indices or not. Materials and Methods: Present study was a prospective study conducted in the neonatal intensive care unit of a tertiary care teaching hospital. 30 preterm neonates and an equal number of full-term AGA neonates were included, blood samples were collected within 24 h of birth, and platelet indices were estimated. The data thus obtained was analyzed using the appropriate statistical tool. Results: Sex distribution among both groups was identical. The ratio of male to females in the study was 1.4:1. Mean platelet count in preterm neonates (219.72 x 10(3)/mm(3)) was low as compared to term neonates (251.26 x 10(3)/mm(3)), P = 0.002. Plateletcrit (PCT) was also decreased in preterm neonates as compared to term neonates (0.19% vs. 0.21%), P = 0.016. Mean platelet volume was found to be similar in both preterm and term neonates (8.12 fl and 7.95 fl respectively). Platelet distribution width (PDW) was higher in preterm neonates (15.75) as compared to that of term neonates (12.89). Conclusion: Low values of platelet counts, PCT, and increase in PDW seen in preterm neonates may be due to low gestational age and weight or due to dysfunction of megakaryocytes. Platelet indices may be a vital marker for identification of hemostatic disorders in newborns.