The Role of Thrombocyte Parameters in Retinopathy of Prematurity Development

Abstract

Purpose. To investigate the role of thrombocyte parameters in retinopathy of prematurity (ROP) development. Materials and Methods. This retrospective study included 120 preterm infants in total. Group 1 was formed by infants who developed type-1 ROP and received treatment. Group 2 was formed by infants who developed ROP and were not treated for ROP. Infants who did not develop ROP and whose retinal vascularization was completed in their follow-up formed Group 3. Gestational age, birth weight, and genders of groups were recorded. Platelet (PLT) count, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet distribution width (PDW) values were obtained from complete blood count. Platelet mass index (PMI) was calculated by multiplying the PLT count by MPV value. Thrombocytopenia was defined as PLT count <150 × 1000/μL. All parameters were compared between the groups. Results. There were 40 preterm infants in each group. The mean PLT count was 272.43 ± 122.67 in Group 1, 333.32 ± 133.06 in Group 2, and 310.03 ± 119.41 in Group 3. The difference in PLT count between the groups was not significant p = 0.094 . Thrombocytopenia was observed in 25% of Group 1, 10% of Group 2, and 10% of Group 3 p = 0.095 . No statistically significant difference was found in terms of MPV, PDW, and PMI values between the groups ( p = 0.102 , p = 0.097 , and p = 0.298 , respectively). Conclusions. Although PLT count was lower and thrombocytopenia rate was higher in the type-1 ROP group, the differences were not found to be significant. Further prospective studies are required to evaluate the role of thrombocytes in ROP pathogenesis.

Hematologic Risk Factors for the Development of Retinopathy of Prematurity—A Retrospective Study

“…The study included 120 preterm infants segregated into three groups: Group 1- infants who developed type-1 ROP and received treatment; Group 2- infants who developed ROP and were not treated for ROP; and Group 3- infants who did not develop ROP. The results did not show a statistically significant difference between the evaluated groups regarding the evaluated thrombocyte parameters [ 14 ].…”

“…Several biomarkers, such as metabolites, cytokines, growth factors, non-coding RNAs, gut microbiota, or oxidative stress markers, have been proposed for the diagnosis or prediction of ROP [ 13 ]. The role of thrombocyte parameters in the prediction of ROP has been studied in several papers that have outlined the involvement of these elements in neoangiogenesis [ 14 ]. Thrombocytopenia, mean platelet volume (MPV), and platelet mass index (PMI) have been proven to be promising biomarkers for the prediction of ROP in various studies [ 15 , 16 , 17 ].…”

Progress in the study of association between hematological indicators and retinopathy of prematurity (Review)

“…A decrease in PLT count results in reduced VEGF elimination, leading to an increase in VEGF and subsequent massive neovascularization. Most studies ( 21 , 23 , 26 ) have found an association between thrombocytopenia and development or severity of ROP; however, a few studies ( 7 , 27 ) detected no association between low PLT levels and ROP. Choręziak et al ( 27 ) found no difference in the early postnatal PLT count between patients with ROP that do and do not require treatment.…”

“…In recent years, an increasing number of studies ( 7-11 ) have revealed that various laboratory markers in children, including hemoglobin (Hb), platelet count, blood glucose (BG) and inflammatory cells, may be linked to the development of ROP ( Table I ). These findings demonstrate the etiology of ROP and its association with systemic reactions.…”

“…In addition to preterm birth, low birth weight and high postnatal oxygen uptake, which have been recognized as risk factors worldwide, other factors include mode of delivery, multiple births, maternal pregnancy factors, neonatal bronchopulmonary dysplasia, use of surfactants, arterial duct inactivity, necrotizing enterocolitis, race and Apgar scores ( 6 ). In recent years, several hematological indicators have been suggested to influence the development and clinical course of ROP ( 7-11 ). The present review summarizes the impact of hematological indicators on ROP.…”