title: Platelet function testing in pediatric patients.
abstract: Platelets play a key role in primary hemostasis and are also intricately linked to secondary hemostasis. Investigation of platelet function in children, especially in neonates, is seriously challenged by the volumes required to perform the majority of platelet function tests and due to the lack of standardization of these tests for use in children. Areas covered: The present review summarizes developmental hemostasis with a focus on the differences in platelet adhesion, activation and aggregation, between preterm neonates, full-term neonates, during childhood and in adults. Some of the most widely used platelet function tests are presented, including novel tests requiring only a small blood volume. Expert commentary: Currently available platelet function tests are limited as regards to investigation of neonates due to difficulties in obtaining adequate blood volume, poor standardization, lack of reference intervals for neonates and children, and an incomplete understanding of the functional phenotype of neonatal platelets, especially preterm neonatal platelets.
authors.affiliation: a Centre for Haemophilia and Thrombosis, Department of Clinical Biochemistry , Aarhus University Hospital , Aarhus , Denmark.
authors.forename: Anne-Mette
authors.initials: AM
authors.lastname: Hvas
authors.affiliation: b Department of Haematology , Sydney Centres for Thrombosis and Haemostasis, Institute of Clinical Pathology and Medical Research (ICPMR), Westmead Hospital , Westmead , Australia.
authors.forename: Emmanuel J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Favaloro
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D001792:Blood Platelets / Q000502:physiology*; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D006487:Hemostasis; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D007231:Infant, Newborn; D015539:Platelet Activation; D010974:Platelet Aggregation; D010976:Platelet Count; D010979:Platelet Function Tests / Q000379:methods
keywords: Children; hemostasis; newborns; platelet aggregation; platelet disorders; platelet function tests; platelets