Platelet expression of CD62P in hypotrophic newborns.

Background: Hypotrophic newborns demonstrate a reduced blood platelet count and therefore may have haemostasis disorders. The antigen density of CD62P on the surface of platelets may indicate the activation of blood platelets.

Materials And Methods: We have studied 31 hypotrophic newborns, and have divided these into two groups: weighing less than the 5th centile and between the 5th and 10th centiles. The antigen density of CD62P was calculated according to the procedure recommended by DAKO QIFIKIT.

Results: Hypotrophic newborns exhibited a median 22 000 of CD62P per platelet. There is a distinct gender difference (female median 29 768, male median 19 044 of CD62P per platelet, p = 0.001). Newborns below the 5th centile demonstrated a median 30 000 of CD62P per platelet, whereas between the 5th and 10th centiles - a median 18 700. A negative correlation (R = -0.53, p = 0.002) was found between the antigen density of CD62P and birth weight.

Conclusion: Hypotrophy affects the expression of CD62P. There is a negative correlation between the antigen density of CD62P and birth weight.