Immature Platelet Fraction and Its Kinetics in Neonates

Thrombocytopenia is a common abnormality encountered in the neonatal period, and immature platelet fraction (IPF) may be an informative indicator of thrombopoiesis; however, data on IPF in neonates are scarce. To define reference intervals (RIs) and factors affecting IPF in neonates, we measured the IPF of 533 consecutive neonates. With a multiple regression analysis of 330 newborns with normal platelet counts at birth, premature delivery, neonatal asphyxia, intrauterine infection, chromosomal abnormalities, and respiratory disorders were identified as independent factors for IPF%. The RIs of IPF% and absolute IPF value in neonates were determined to be 1.3% to 5.7% and 3.2 to 14.5x10(9)/L, respectively. On day 14 after birth, IPF% increased to twice the value at birth and thereafter returned to the previous value on day 28. Reticulocyte counts, in contrast, were the lowest at day 14. IPF% was increased in 16 thrombocytopenic patients with various clinical conditions, especially those with immune-mediated thrombocytopenia. IPF in neonates may be evaluated essentially based on the same RIs as in adults, although some precautions must be taken when evaluating IPF in neonates in the first 2 weeks of life. IPF may be useful for evaluating thrombopoiesis and thrombocytopenia in neonates.