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Red Cell Distribution Width to Platelet Count Ratio Reference Intervals in Premature Infants Beyond the First Week of
Elif Güler Kazancı1, Yasemin Üstündağ2, Müberra Akdoğan3
1Department of Pediatric Hemato-Oncology, University of Health Sciences, Bursa Yüksek İhtisas Training and Research Hospital, Bursa, Turkey.
Insights
This study establishes reference intervals for the RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) in premature newborns. These findings provide crucial data for assessing inflammation in preterm infants using this novel complete blood count (CBC) index.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Hematology
- Clinical Chemistry
Background:
- Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a standard complete blood count (CBC) parameter.
- The RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) is an emerging index indicating inflammation severity.
- Establishing reference intervals (RIs) for RPR in premature infants is essential for clinical application.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the reference interval (RI) of the RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) in premature newborns.
- To provide a baseline for interpreting RPR values in this vulnerable population.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of medical records for 144 preterm infants (gestational age 28-35 weeks) from January 2016 to December 2018.
- Complete blood count (CBC) levels, including RDW and platelet count, were analyzed within 72 hours of birth.
Main Results:
- The overall reference interval (RI) for RPR in preterm infants (28-35 weeks gestation) was determined to be 0.038-0.126.
- Specific RIs were identified: 0.042-0.129 for infants aged 32-35 weeks and 0.022-0.121 for infants aged 28-31 weeks.
Conclusions:
- The established RIs for RPR in premature infants facilitate the clinical interpretation of this inflammatory marker.
- This research supports the use of RPR as a valuable tool for monitoring inflammation in preterm neonates.
Abstract:
Objective: Red cell distribution width (RDW) is a parameter of complete blood count (CBC). The RDW to platelet count ratio (RPR) is a new index that has been shown to reflect the severity of inflammation. We aim to determine the reference interval (RI) of RPR for premature newborns. Study design: The medical records of preterm infants who were followed up between January 2016 and December 2018 were reviewed. CBC levels were measured in 144 infants at <72 hours of age. Results: CBCs of infants (gestational age from 28 to 35weeks) had a RI of 0.038-0.126 for the RPR. The RI for RPR in infants with a gestational age of 32-35weeks was 0.042-0.129; and the RI for infants at 28-31weeks was 0.022-0.121. Conclusion: Establishment of RI for RPR in premature infants will allow clinical correlation of RPR alterations in this population.
