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Low immature platelet fraction suggests decreased megakaryopoiesis in neonates with sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis

Journal of Perinatology volume 33, pages 622–626 (2013)Cite this article

Subjects

Abstract

Objective:

In order to conclude on the megakaryopoietic activity during thrombocytopenia in sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), we analyzed the immature platelet fraction (IPF).

Study design:

Serial measurements of platelet counts and IPF in neonates with blood culture-proven late-onset sepsis (n=21) or surgical NEC (n=12) at T0: prior to the diagnosis of sepsis/NEC; T1: at diagnosis; T2: days 3 to 5 after onset; T3: days 8 to 12 after onset.

Result:

In parallel to declining platelet counts, the median absolute IPF significantly decreased between T0 and T2 in neonates with sepsis or NEC. We found a significant positive correlation between the platelet count and absolute IPF (r=0.71; P<0.001). In patients with low IPF (<2 per nl), the platelet count did not subsequently increase. Neonates with NEC who died exhibited significantly lower IPF compared with survivors (P<0.05).

Conclusion:

Low absolute IPF values during the course of neonatal sepsis/NEC suggest suppression of megakaryopoietic activity.

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Acknowledgements

We thank Reinhold Schiller, MD, Institute for Microbiology, Charité, for technical assistance and Jessica Blank for secretary support.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Neonatology, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    M Cremer, D Szekessy, H Hammer, C Bührer & C Dame

  2. Institute for Laboratory Medicine and Pathobiochemistry, Charité—Universitätsmedizin Berlin, Berlin, Germany

    A Weimann

  3. Labor Berlin—Charity Vivantes, Berlin, Germany

    A Weimann

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  1. M Cremer
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  4. H Hammer
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Correspondence to M Cremer.

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Supplementary Information accompanies the paper on the Journal of Perinatology website

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Cremer, M., Weimann, A., Szekessy, D. et al. Low immature platelet fraction suggests decreased megakaryopoiesis in neonates with sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis. J Perinatol 33, 622–626 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1038/jp.2013.21

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