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Platelet count and retinopathy of prematurity, a systematic review and meta-analysis
Qian Zeng1,2, Ling Wang1, Yurong Li1,2
1Clinical Laboratory, Children's Hospital Affiliated to Shandong University, Jinan, China.
Insights
Lower platelet counts (PLT) are linked to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). Standardizing PLT measurements by detection location, time, and gestational age is crucial for early ROP screening.
Area of Science:
- Neonatal Medicine
- Ophthalmology
- Hematology
Background:
- Retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) is a significant cause of visual impairment in premature infants.
- Early detection and intervention are critical for managing ROP and preventing vision loss.
- Platelet count (PLT) has emerged as a potential biomarker, but its relationship with ROP requires further clarification.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between platelet count (PLT) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP).
- To evaluate the potential of PLT as a screening tool for early ROP detection.
Main Methods:
- A systematic literature search was performed across major databases (PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, ClinicalTrials.gov) from January 2005 to September 2023.
- A meta-analysis was conducted on ten studies comprising 1762 neonates, including 747 with ROP.
- Subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity.
Main Results:
- The meta-analysis revealed a significantly lower mean platelet count in neonates with ROP compared to those without (MD: -18.65, 95% CI: -22.80 to -14.50, P < .00001).
- Subgroup analysis identified study location, gestational age (GA), and publication time as sources of heterogeneity.
Conclusions:
- Decreased platelet counts are associated with an increased risk of retinopathy of prematurity.
- Standardization of PLT measurements based on detection location, time, and gestational age is recommended for ROP assessment.
Objective:
This study aims to investigate the relationship between platelet count (PLT) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with the goal of identifying a straightforward screening method for the early detection of ROP.
Methods:
A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2005 to 26 September 2023. Subsequently, a subgroup analysis was performed.
Results:
This meta-analysis included ten studies involving 1762 neonates, with 747 cases of ROP identified. The pooled analysis indicated a significant decrease in mean platelet count among the ROP group compared to the non-ROP group (mean difference: -18.65, 95% confidence interval: -22.80 to -14.50, P < .00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the heterogeneity in the results can be attributed to factors such as the location of the studies, gestational age (GA), and publication time.
Conclusion:
Decreased PLT counts may be associated with the occurrence of ROP. The PLT count should be standardized according to the detection location, detection time and GA.
