Platelet-derived microparticles and platelet count in preterm newborns.
OBJECTIVE
Does formation of platelet-derived microparticles correspond to platelet activation?


METHODS
The study was performed in 51 preterm newborns, 25 girls and 26 boys. The control group consisted of 55 term newborns, 25 girls and 30 boys. Blood samples were collected from the umbilical artery. The percentage of platelet-derived microparticles and platelet count were determined using flow cytometric analysis based on the CD61-positive antigen.


RESULTS
The percentage of platelet-derived microparticles was higher in preterm newborns (5.46) in comparison to term newborns (4.22, p < 0.01). We found 4.61% of platelet-derived microparticles in preterm female newborns and 6.28% in preterm boys (p < 0.0070). The platelet count was 256 x 10(3) microl in girls and 238 x 10(3) microl in boys. Female healthy term newborns presented higher values of platelet-derived microparticles (4.4%) than male newborns (4.07%, p = 0.4725, table 1). The platelet count in girls was found to be 308 x 10(3) microl and in boys 270 x 10(3) microl.


CONCLUSIONS
Higher percentage of platelet-derived microparticles in preterm newborns may provide a compensatory mechanism for the hemostatic system.
Wasiluk
Alicja
A
Department of Neonatology, Medical University of Bialystok, Bialystok, Poland. awasiluk@amb.edu.pl
Mantur
Maria
M
Szczepański
Marek
M
Matowicka-Karna
Joanna
J
Kemona
Halina
H
Warda
Janusz
J
D002469:Cell Separation / Q000379:methods; D005260:Female; D005434:Flow Cytometry / Q000379:methods; D006801:Humans; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D007234:Infant, Premature / Q000097:blood* / Q000502:physiology; D008297:Male; D015539:Platelet Activation / Q000502:physiology*; D010976:Platelet Count / Q000379:methods