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Updated: Jun 7, 2026

Routine Screening Method for Microparticles in Platelet Transfusions
Published on: January 31, 2018
High microparticle concentration in cord plasma
S Schweintzger1, A Schlagenhauf, B Rinner
1Department of Paediatrics, Medical University of Graz, Auenbruggerplatz 30, 8036 Graz, Austria. wolfgang.muntean@meduni-graz.at
Unlabelled:
We investigated if differences in the microparticle concentration and activity between newborn cord plasma and adult plasma exist.
Methods:
To enumerate and characterize microparticles (MP) FACS and ELISA were used.The effect of microparticles derived tissue factor (TF) on thrombin generation was measured indirectly by CAT (calibrated automated thrombography).
Results:
The flow cytometric measurements revealed an increased microparticle concentration in newborn cord compared with adult plasma. By the use of ELISA a significantly increased procoagulant activity of microparticles was found in newborn cord plasma as compared to adult plasma. Initiation of thrombin generation by adding phospholipids alone resulted in a significant lower prolongation of the lag time, time to peak in cord plasma, while the decrease of endogenous thrombin potential (ETP) and peak was comparable between newborns and adults.
Conclusion:
Our results show a higher impact of microparticles on the haemostatic system of newborns than on that of adults. The three methods suggest a somewhat increased microparticle activity in newborn cord plasma, but argue against strong platelet activation during birth.
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