Platelet transfusion levels for extremely premature newborns
2/2 Neonatal Platelet Transfusion Threshold Trial (NeoPlaTT)
This project compares two platelet count levels to guide when to give transfusions to extremely premature babies in their first week of life.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Research Triangle Institute NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (Research Triangle Park, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11322622 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
If your baby is born extremely prematurely (about 23–26 weeks), this project looks at using different platelet-count cutoffs to decide when to give platelet transfusions during the high-risk first week in the NICU. Babies admitted to participating NICUs would be managed using a clear transfusion rule and followed closely for bleeding, brain hemorrhage, and survival. Doctors will collect blood counts and clinical data and may randomize infants to the different transfusion thresholds so outcomes can be compared. The aim is to find a safer approach that prevents serious bleeding while avoiding unnecessary transfusions.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Extremely preterm newborns (about 23–26 weeks gestation) admitted to a participating NICU, especially within the first week of life when bleeding risk is highest.
Not a fit: Full-term infants, older children, or preterm babies without low platelet counts or those beyond the first week are unlikely to be eligible or to benefit from this project.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: Could lower the risk of death or severe brain bleeding in extremely preterm infants while reducing unnecessary platelet transfusions.
How similar studies have performed: A recent European trial (PlaNeT-2) found that a lower transfusion threshold reduced death or serious bleeding in preterm infants overall, but uncertainty remained for the most extremely preterm infants in their first week, which this work seeks to address.
Where this research is happening
Research Triangle Park, United States
- Research Triangle Institute — Research Triangle Park, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Das, Abhik — Research Triangle Institute
- Study coordinator: Das, Abhik
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.