Are platelet volume indices related to mortality in hospitalized children on mechanical ventilation?

Objectives To investigate platelet volume indices and in-hospital mortality in children on mechanical ventilation. Methods This retrospective study included children aged <16 years on mechanical ventilation, and compared parameters, measured on admission, between survivors and non-survivors. Dynamic platelet volume indices over the first 7 days were visualized. Independent risk factors of mortality were identified using multivariate logistic regression analysis. Results Out of 2319 children aged 28 days-3 years, serum albumin (odds ratio [OR] 0.9, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.85, 0.96), bilirubin (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.0, 1.77), and lactic acid (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.05, 1.38) levels were associated with mortality. Out of 2415 children aged>3 years, procalcitonin (OR 1.01, 95% CI 1.0, 1.01) and lactic acid (OR 1.22, 95% CI 1.09, 1.35) were associated with mortality. Platelet volume indices on admission were not independently associated with mortality in either group. Mean platelet volume (MPV) and platelet distribution width (PDW) showed different trends in non-survivors versus survivors over 1 week in both age groups. Conclusions Platelet volume indices may be associated with mortality in critically ill children receiving mechanical ventilation.