Determination of Age-Dependent Reference Ranges for Coagulation Tests Performed Using Destiny Plus.
BACKGROUND
In order to apply the right treatment for hemostatic disorders in pediatric patients, laboratory data should be interpreted with age-appropriate reference ranges.


OBJECTIVE
The purpose of this study was to determining age-dependent reference range values for prothrombin time (PT), activated partial thromboplastin time (aPTT), fibrinogen tests, and D-dimer tests.


METHODS
A total of 320 volunteers were included in the study with the following ages: 1 month - 1 year (n = 52), 2 - 5 years (n = 50), 6 - 10 years (n = 48), 11 - 17 years (n = 38), and 18 - 65 years (n = 132). Each volunteer completed a survey to exclude hemostatic system disorder. Using a nonparametric method, the lower and upper limits, including 95% distribution and 90% confidence intervals, were calculated.


RESULTS
No statistically significant differences were found between PT and aPTT values in the groups consisting of children. Thus, the reference ranges were separated into child and adult age groups. PT and aPTT values were significantly higher in the children than in the adults. Fibrinogen values in the 6 - 10 age group and the adult age group were significantly higher than in the other groups. D-dimer levels were significantly lower in those aged 2 - 17; thus, a separate reference range was established.


CONCLUSIONS
These results support other findings related to developmental hemostasis, confirming that adult and pediatric age groups should be evaluated using different reference ranges.
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Fatma Demet
FD
Arslan
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Acibadem University School of Medicine, Istanbul, Turkey.
Muhittin
M
Serdar
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Elif
E
Merve Ari
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Mustafa
M
Onur Oztan
Department of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Sureyya
S
Hikmet Kozcu
Department of Urology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Huseyin
H
Tarhan
Department of Urology, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Ozgur
O
Cakmak
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Tepecik Training and Research Hospital, Izmir, Turkey.
Merve
M
Zeytinli
Department of Medical Biochemistry, Antalya Training and Research Hospital, Antalya, Turkey.
Hamit
H
Yasar Ellidag
Age Groups; Blood Coagulation Tests; Reference Ranges