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Is a small platelet mass associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in very low-birth-weight infants?

Journal of Perinatology volume 31, pages 776–779 (2011)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

We sought to determine whether, among very low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates, the platelet mass was associated with common perinatal factors, and whether a low platelet mass in the first days following birth was associated with a higher incidence and/or severity of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH).

Study Design:

This was a cross-sectional, retrospective cohort analysis of VLBW infants admitted to a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit from June 2003 to July 2006, n=408. Platelet mass was calculated and recorded on the day of birth and for 2 consecutive days thereafter. All neonates had a screening cranial sonogram on day 4 of life. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U-test.

Result:

Neonates born to mothers with pre-eclampsia had a smaller platelet mass (1921 fl/nl±603 vs 2297 fl/nl±747; P<0.01). The same was found among neonates with intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR). In contrast, neonates born after histological chorioamnionitis had a larger platelet mass (2400 fl/nl±749 vs 2036 fl/nl±674; P<0.01). No effect of platelet mass, measured on the day of birth, was observed related the outcomes of IVH, severe IVH or death. However, those with a platelet mass <10th percentile on the 2 subsequent days following birth were more likely to have severe IVH or death.

Conclusion:

Among VLBW neonates, pre-eclampsia and IUGR are associated with a lower platelet mass, owing to their effect on platelet count. Histological chorioamnionits is associated with a larger platelet mass. A mass <10th percentile on the days following birth was associated with severe IVH and/or death, but it remains unclear whether this is a cause of, or an effect of, the IVH.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Neonatology and Pediatrics, Christiana Care Health Services, Newark, DE, USA

    J L Zisk, A Mackley & D A Paul

  2. Department of Women and Newborns, Intermountain Healthcare, Salt Lake City, UT, USA

    R D Christensen

  3. Department of Pediatrics, Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA, USA

    J L Zisk & D A Paul

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  1. J L Zisk
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  2. A Mackley
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  3. R D Christensen
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  4. D A Paul
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Correspondence to J L Zisk.

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Zisk, J., Mackley, A., Christensen, R. et al. Is a small platelet mass associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in very low-birth-weight infants?. J Perinatol 31, 776–779 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2011.32

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