Platelet indices as a predictive marker in neonates with respiratory distress

Abstract

The neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) frequently gets admissions due to respiratory distress (RD). Platelet indices are a beneficial biomarker in order to gauge the severity of neonatal RD. We aimed to assess platelet indices as a potential predictor in neonates with RD. This prospective research involved 120 neonates who had been admitted to the NICU with evidence of RD. On admission and after respiratory support was reduced; a complete blood count (CBC) was performed to determine platelet count (PC), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), platelet distribution width (PDW), platelet mass index (PMI), and platelet large cell ratio (PLCR). MPV and PDW were significantly higher after respiratory support reduction. PC and PMI were significantly higher in neonates exhibiting moderate and severe distress. PC of 276.5*109/L had the highest degree of predictability of RD severity (area under curve (AUC) 0.762, sensitivity 81.5%, specificity 64.3%), 95% confidence interval (0.7–0.9), while PMI of 2473.5 fL/nL was the best cut-off point to predict severity of RD (AUC 0.663, sensitivity 63%, specificity 57.1%) 95% confidence interval (0.6–0.8). There was a significant difference in the average PC between different oxygen modes. Higher PMI and PC are associated with moderate and severe RD and can be used to predict the severity of neonatal RD.