Is a small platelet mass associated with intraventricular hemorrhage in very low-birth-weight infants?

Objective: We sought to determine whether, among very low-birth-weight (VLBW) neonates, the platelet mass was associated with common perinatal factors, and whether a low platelet mass in the first days following birth was associated with a higher incidence and/or severity of intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH). Study Design: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective cohort analysis of VLBW infants admitted to a level 3 neonatal intensive care unit from June 2003 to July 2006, n =408. Platelet mass was calculated and recorded on the day of birth and for 2 consecutive days thereafter. All neonates had a screening cranial sonogram on day 4 of life. Statistical analysis included analysis of variance and Mann–Whitney U -test. Result: Neonates born to mothers with pre-eclampsia had a smaller platelet mass (1921 fl/nl±603 vs 2297 fl/nl±747; P