Mean Platelet Volume in Thrombocytopenic, Preterm Infants

We evaluated the use of mean platelet volume (MPV) as a reliable indicator of bacteremia in neonates. We first established normal MPV values in very low birth weight neonates (< 1 kg and ≥ 1 kg < 1.8 kg, respectively) in the first 47 days of life. We conclude that MPV is not a reliable predictor of sepsis. However, one subset of thrombocytopenic neonates, with birth weights ≥ 1 kg < 1.8 kg was identified with significantly increased MPV (P < 0.05) compared to the age-matched control. In this group, the thrombocytopenia was not associated with sepsis, and the etiology of the decreased platelet count remained to be determined.