Drop in Platelet Counts in Extremely Preterm Neonates and Its Association With Clinical Outcomes

Abstract

A ≥ 30% drop in platelet counts is associated with increased mortality, morbidities, and LOS in preterm neonates, independent of thrombocytopenia. As the drop occurs before the onset of clinical morbidity, one potential application is its use to predict the onset of morbidities including necrotizing enterocolitis, intraventricular hemorrhage, and retinopathy of prematurity, and a prolonged LOS and mortality.