Related Experiment Video
Updated: Mar 15, 2026
06:27
Transcutaneous Microcirculatory Imaging in Preterm Neonates
Published on: December 31, 2015
8.6K
Platelet indices in late preterm newborns.
Wasiluk Alicja1, Polewko Agnieszka2, Laudanski Piotr3
1a Department of Neonatology , Medical University of Bialystok , Bialystok , Poland.
Summary
Late preterm newborns show lower blood platelet counts and larger platelet distribution width compared to full-term infants, suggesting immature thrombopoiesis. These differences in platelet indices may increase risks for bleeding and infections in late preterm infants.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Pediatrics
Background:
- Late preterm newborns (LPN) represent a significant population requiring careful health assessment.
- Understanding hematological differences between LPN and full-term newborns (FTN) is crucial for neonatal care.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare key blood platelet indices between late preterm newborns and full-term newborns.
- To investigate potential implications of observed differences on neonatal health and hemostasis.
Main Methods:
- Recruitment of 58 LPN and 71 FTN.
- Estimation of platelet indices, including platelet count, PCT, MPV, PDW, and LP, from umbilical artery blood samples.
Main Results:
- LPN exhibited significantly lower platelet counts (249 × 10³/μL) versus FTN (295 × 10³/μL).
- Platelet hematocrit (PCT) was lower in LPN (0.2%) compared to FTN (0.23%).
- Platelet distribution width (PDW) was higher in LPN (52.8%) than FTN (50.6%), and large platelet count (LP) was lower in LPN (4.0%) versus FTN (6.0%).
Conclusions:
- Findings suggest potential immaturity of thrombopoiesis in late preterm infants.
- Observed differences in platelet indices may predispose LPN to hemostatic disturbances, bleeding complications, and increased infection risk.
- Morphological platelet parameter variations highlight the need for specialized diagnostic and therapeutic attention for late preterm neonates.
Related Concept Videos
01:18Structure and Function of Platelets
4.4K
The cell fragments known as platelets are disc-shaped, with an average diameter of about 3 μm and a thickness of roughly 1 μm. They play a crucial role in the body's vascular clotting system, which also involves plasma proteins, blood cells, and blood vessel tissues.
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
Platelets are continually replenished, circulating in the bloodstream for 9-12 days before being removed by phagocytes, primarily in the spleen. A microliter of circulating blood contains between 150,000 and 450,000...
4.4K
01:22Formation of the Platelet Plug
10.4K
The platelet phase, the second stage of hemostasis, commences around 15-20 seconds after an injury. It follows and overlaps with the vascular phase, during which blood vessels constrict to minimize blood loss.
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
As the injured blood vessel contracts, endothelial cells undergo contraction, revealing collagen fibers in the basement membrane and underlying connective tissue. Furthermore, the plasma membrane of endothelial cells becomes adhesive, preparing the site for platelet adhesion. Platelets...
10.4K