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Updated: May 19, 2026

Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Relationship between platelet count and volume and spontaneous and pharmacological closure of ductus arteriosus in
Carlo Dani1, Chiara Poggi, Giulia Fontanelli
1Department of Surgical and Medical Critical Care, Section of Neonatology, Careggi University Hospital of Florence, Florence, Italy. cdani@unifi.It
Insights
Low platelet count at birth is a significant risk factor for developing patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. However, platelet volume does not impact PDA outcomes or ibuprofen treatment success.
Area of Science:
- Neonatology
- Hematology
- Pediatric Cardiology
Background:
- Low platelet count is linked to increased patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) risk in preterm infants.
- High mean platelet volume (MPV) may correlate with prematurity complications due to heightened platelet reactivity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet count, MPV, and the incidence of PDA.
- To determine if platelet parameters influence PDA resistance to ibuprofen closure in extremely preterm infants.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective cohort study of extremely preterm infants.
- Analysis of platelet count and MPV at birth.
- Assessment of PDA occurrence and response to ibuprofen therapy.
Main Results:
- A platelet count below 100 (×10(3)/mm(3)) at birth independently predicts PDA development (OR 4.50).
- Low platelet count does not affect the rate of PDA closure with ibuprofen.
- Mean platelet volume (MPV) did not show any association with PDA incidence or ibuprofen treatment outcomes.
Conclusions:
- Low platelet count is an independent risk factor for developing hemodynamically significant PDA in extremely preterm infants.
- Platelet count and MPV do not influence the efficacy of ibuprofen for PDA closure.
Abstract:
It has been reported that low platelet count may increase the risk of patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. Moreover, high mean platelet volume (MPV) has been found to be associated with the development of prematurity complications due to enhanced platelet reactivity. Our aim was to assess the relationship between platelet count and MPV and the occurrence of PDA and its resistance to ibuprofen closure in a cohort of extremely preterm infants. Platelet count <100 (×10(3)/mm(3); odds ratio 4.50; 95% confidence limits 1.39 to 14.61) at birth is an independent risk factor for PDA but does not affect its response to ibuprofen. MPV values did not influence PDA fate. Low platelet count increases the risk of developing a hemodynamically significant PDA but does not affect the ibuprofen closure rate. MPV is unrelated to the DA outcome.

