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Bleeding time in normal children
L A Aversa1, A Vázquez, J A Peñalver
1Unidad Hematología, Hospital de Niños Dr. Ricardo Gutiérrez, Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Insights
Pediatric bleeding times (BTs) are significantly shorter than adult BTs. New reference ranges for children are proposed, aiding clinical diagnosis and interpretation in pediatric hematology.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Hematology
- Clinical Pathology
Background:
- Limited data exists on normal bleeding times (BTs) in pediatric populations.
- Accurate BT reference ranges are crucial for diagnosing hemostatic disorders in children.
Purpose of the Study:
- To establish reference values for bleeding times in children across different age groups.
- To compare pediatric BTs with those of adult volunteers.
Main Methods:
- Bleeding times were measured in normal children (four age groups) and adult volunteers using a Simplate device with a vertical forearm incision.
- Data was analyzed to compare BTs between pediatric age groups, sexes, and adults.
Main Results:
- Children exhibited significantly shorter mean bleeding times (270 s, 95th percentile 420 s) compared to adults (320 s, 95th percentile 480 s; p = 0.001).
- While variations existed across pediatric age groups and sexes, only adult sex showed a statistically significant difference.
Conclusions:
- Recommended reference values for children: 0-4 years (4 ± 1 min), boys > 4 years (5 ± 1 min), and girls > 4 years (5.5 ± 1 min).
- Pediatric bleeding times are demonstrably shorter than adult values, necessitating age-specific reference ranges for accurate clinical assessment.
Purpose:
Because there is little information on bleeding times (BTs) in children we initiated the following study.
Materials And Methods:
Normal children undergoing elective surgery and adult volunteers had their bleeding times measured with a disposable device (Simplate) with a vertical incision in the forearm. Results in children (four age groups) and adults, male and female, were compared.
Results:
The mean time in children was 270 s with a 95th percentile of 420 s compared with a mean time in adults of 320 s and a 95th percentile of 480 s (p = 0.001). Although the values in the various age groups and sexes were different, only sex had a statistically different value in adults.
Conclusions:
The following reference values should be used for children: 0-4 years, 4 +/- 1 min; boys > 4 years, 5 +/- 1 min; girls > 4 years, 5.5 +/- 1 min. We conclude that results obtained in children are significantly shorter than those obtained in normal adult subjects.