Platelet count and plateletcrit as a potential early biomarker for necrotizing enterocolitis in preterm infants: a retrospective case–control study

Purpose: Necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a progressive inflammatory disorder, remains a significant clinical concern, and predictive factors for the disease continue to be investigated. This study aimed to evaluate the predictive role of complete blood count (CBC) parameters obtained within the first 24 hours postnatally, particularly platelet-related indices, in the development of NEC.Materials and Methods: This retrospective study included 49 preterm infants diagnosed with NEC and 50 preterm infants without NEC who were followed in the neonatal intensive care unit. CBC parameters obtained within the first 24 hours after birth, age at NEC diagnosis, modified Bell classification, and treatment modalities (conservative management, drain placement, or laparotomy) were analyzed.Results: A total of 99 preterm infants were included, of whom 52 were female and 47 were male. The mean birth weight was 1107.17 ± 458.94 g, and the mean gestational age was 27.8 ± 2.99 weeks. Platelet count (PLT) and plateletcrit (PCT) values measured within the first 24 hours postnatally demonstrated significant predictive value for NEC development. No statistically significant differences were identified between the NEC and control groups regarding other CBC parameters, including WBC, MPV, PDW, and RDW.Conclusion: PLT and PCT values obtained from CBC analyses within the first 24 hours postnatally, before the onset of clinical manifestations, may serve as valuable predictive markers for NEC development in preterm infants.