Age-wise reference range of immature platelet fraction in neonates

Area of Science:

• Neonatal Hematology
• Clinical Pathology
• Thrombopoiesis

Background:

• Immature platelet fraction (IPF) quantifies circulating immature platelets, indicating bone marrow thrombopoiesis.
• Established IPF reference ranges exist for adults, but neonatal values are highly dependent on gestational age.
• Accurate IPF reference intervals are essential for neonates, particularly those in neonatal intensive care units (NICUs).

Purpose of the Study:

• To establish reference ranges for IPF in neonates across different corrected gestational age groups.
• To provide a basis for accurate interpretation of IPF in neonatal clinical practice.

Main Methods:

• Analysis of complete blood counts (CBC) with IPF from neonates admitted to the NICU.
• Utilized the Mindray BC-6800 Auto Hematology analyzer for IPF quantification.
• Neonates were categorized into four groups based on corrected gestational age (CGA): 28-32, 32-34, 34-37, and >37 weeks.
• IPF reference ranges were derived by calculating mean, standard deviation, and 95% confidence intervals for each group.

Main Results:

• Mean IPF values for neonates with normal platelet counts were reported for each gestational age group.
• Term neonates: 3.58 (95% CI 3.29-3.87).
• Late preterm (34-37 weeks): 4.14 (95% CI 3.82-5.0).
• Moderate preterm (32-34 weeks): 4.14 (95% CI 3.46-4.82).
• Very preterm (28-32 weeks): 5.51 (95% CI 3.95-7.07).
• IPF values showed comparability between hematology analyzers in neonates with normal platelet counts.

Conclusions:

• This study successfully established reference ranges for IPF in neonates stratified by corrected gestational age.
• These derived ranges are vital for the accurate assessment of thrombopoiesis and diagnosis of thrombocytopenia in neonates.
• The findings support the use of IPF analysis in neonatal care for better patient management.