Related Experiment Video
Updated: Apr 7, 2026
Hemodynamic Precision in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit using Targeted Neonatal Echocardiography
Published on: January 27, 2023
Platelet Counts and Patent Ductus Arteriosus in Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Sorina R Simon1, Lieke van Zogchel, Maria Pilar Bas-Suárez
1Department of Pediatrics, Maastricht University Medical Center (MUMC+), School for Oncology and Developmental Biology (GROW) and Cardiovascular Research Institute Maastricht (CARIM), Maastricht, The Netherlands.
Insights
Low platelet counts in newborns are linked to patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants. This meta-analysis confirms a marginal but significant association, highlighting the need for further research.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Pediatric Cardiology
- Hematology
Background:
- Previous cohort studies suggested a link between early-life low platelet counts and patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) in preterm infants.
- However, these findings lacked consistent confirmation across studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To conduct a comprehensive meta-analysis of existing studies on the relationship between neonatal platelet counts and PDA in preterm infants.
- To consolidate evidence and clarify the association.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search of PubMed/MEDLINE and EMBASE was performed up to December 2014.
- Data from 11 cohort studies, including 3,479 preterm infants (gestational age <32 weeks), were pooled using random-effects modeling.
Main Results:
- A significant positive association was found between PDA and platelet counts <150 × 10(9)/l (RR = 1.215) and <100 × 10(9)/l (RR = 1.255).
- Significant PDA (SPDA) also showed a positive association with platelet counts <100 × 10(9)/l (RR = 1.254).
- No statistically significant difference in mean platelet counts was observed between infants with and without PDA/SPDA.
Conclusions:
- The meta-analysis indicates a marginal yet statistically significant association between low early-life platelet counts and PDA/SPDA in very preterm infants.
- Further prospective studies are recommended to validate these findings.
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: 1.021-1.540). The association between SPDA and platelet counts <150 × 10(9)/l was not statistically significant (6 studies, RR = 1.289, 95% CI: 0.925-1.795). Pooled standard differences in mean platelet counts between infants with and without PDA/SPDA were not statistically different.
Conclusion:
This meta-analysis reveals a marginal but significant association between low platelet counts in the first day(s) of life and PDA/SPDA in very preterm infants. This association needs to be confirmed in prospective studies.
