The effect of gestational age on platelet surface expression of CD62P in preterm newborns.

Hemostasis in preterm newborns is characterized by low reserve functional capacity with special reference to the presence of such risk factors as asphyxia or infection. Platelets play vitally important role in hemostasis. Expression of CD62P is a marker of stimulated or activated blood platelets. The study involved a group of 16 preterm newborns, five girls and 11 boys. DAKO QIFIKIT was applied to calculate the number of these antigens. The mean CD 62P expression was found to be 23,792 per platelet. Correlation was found between antigen density and gestational age r = 0.954, p = 0.01. Evident deficit of P-selectin on the surface of platelets in preterm newborns may be at least in part responsible for platelet dysfunction, with special reference to interaction between circulating leukocytes and combating infection.