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Published on: December 31, 2015
The Role of Thrombocyte Parameters in Retinopathy of Prematurity Development
1Department of Ophthalmology, Süleyman Demirel University, Faculty of Medicine, Isparta, Turkey.
Insights
This study found no significant difference in platelet parameters between preterm infants with and without retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Further research is needed to understand the role of platelets in ROP development.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Ophthalmology
- Hematology
- Perinatal Medicine
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of vision impairment in premature infants.
- The role of thrombocytes (platelets) in the pathogenesis of ROP remains unclear.
- Understanding factors contributing to ROP is crucial for developing preventative and therapeutic strategies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet parameters and the development of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To compare platelet count, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), and platelet mass index (PMI) in infants with and without ROP.
- To determine if thrombocytopenia is a risk factor for severe ROP.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective analysis of 120 preterm infants, categorized into three groups: type-1 ROP requiring treatment, ROP without treatment, and no ROP with completed vascularization.
- Collected data included gestational age, birth weight, gender, and complete blood count parameters (platelet count, MPV, PDW).
- Calculated platelet mass index (PMI) and defined thrombocytopenia as platelet count <150 × 1000/μL.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences were observed in platelet count (p=0.094), MPV (p=0.102), PDW (p=0.097), or PMI (p=0.298) between the ROP and control groups.
- The incidence of thrombocytopenia was higher in the type-1 ROP group (25%) compared to the other groups (10% each), but this difference was not statistically significant (p=0.095).
Conclusions:
- Platelet parameters, including count and derived indices, did not show a statistically significant association with the development of type-1 ROP in this cohort.
- While a trend towards lower platelet counts and higher thrombocytopenia rates in the severe ROP group was noted, further investigation is warranted.
- Prospective studies are necessary to elucidate the precise role of thrombocytes in the complex pathogenesis of retinopathy of prematurity.
Purpose:
To investigate the role of thrombocyte parameters in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development.
Materials And Methods:
This retrospective study included 120 preterm infants in total. Group 1 was formed by infants who developed type-1 ROP and received treatment. Group 2 was formed by infants who developed ROP and were not treated for ROP. Infants who did not develop ROP and whose retinal vascularization was completed in their follow-up formed Group 3. Gestational age, birth weight, and genders of groups were recorded. Platelet (PLT) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) values were obtained from complete blood count. Platelet mass index (PMI) was calculated by multiplying the PLT count by MPV value. Thrombocytopenia was defined as PLT count <150 × 1000/μL. All parameters were compared between the groups.
Results:
There were 40 preterm infants in each group. The mean PLT count was 272.43 ± 122.67 in Group 1, 333.32 ± 133.06 in Group 2, and 310.03 ± 119.41 in Group 3. The difference in PLT count between the groups was not significant (p=0.094). Thrombocytopenia was observed in 25% of Group 1, 10% of Group 2, and 10% of Group 3 (p=0.095). No statistically significant difference was found in terms of MPV, PDW, and PMI values between the groups (p=0.102, p=0.097, and p=0.298, respectively).
Conclusions:
Although PLT count was lower and thrombocytopenia rate was higher in the type-1 ROP group, the differences were not found to be significant. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the role of thrombocytes in ROP pathogenesis.
