Can platelet count, platelet mass index and mean platelet volume be parameters in retinopathy of prematurity?

INTRODUCTION: Platelet parameters such as platelet count (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet mass index (PMI) are associated with physiological and pathological functions in various inflammatory diseases. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether platelet parameters were related to retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) in premature newborns.
METHODS: We retrospectively evaluated the platelet count, platelet mass index, and MPV parameters measured on the first day and 28th day, which belonged to patients, who were examined for retinopathy of prematurity at neonatal intensive var unit.
RESULTS: Among 343 patients enrolled by the study, 52.8 %(181) were male and 47.2 %(162) were female. The PLT level studied on the first day was 231.6±84(x1000/mm3) in the ROP group and 207.8±81.6(x1000/mm3) in the non ROP group, and the PLT level studied on the 28th day was 409.9±179.4(x1000/mm3) in the ROP group and 350.7±140.4(x1000/mm3) in the non ROP group. There was a significant difference between the two groups regarding both PLT levels(p=0.007, p=0.006, respectively). The PMI level studied on the first day was 1854.1±774.7 in the ROP group and 1638.2±753.3 in the non ROP group, and the PMI level studied on the 28th day was 3784.5±1797.4 in the ROP group and 3302.8±1452.9 in the non ROP group.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: This study showed that platelet count and platelet mass index measured on the first and 28th days are important parameters in patients who undergo ROP examination, and these parameters measured prior to examination will guide clinicians in diagnostic process.