Examination of Immature Platelet Fraction Values in the Pediatric Population

Introduction: Immature platelet fraction (IPF) reflects circulating immature platelets. Although IPF has been studied in various diseases, data in the pediatric population are limited. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between IPF and other platelet parameters in children and to assess the effect of physiological bone marrow suppression on IPF values in infants aged 2–4 months. Methods: Data of children whose IPF, platelet (PLT), mean platelet volume (MPV), plateletcrit (PCT), hemoglobin, and leukocyte values were retrospectively analyzed. Patients were grouped by age (0–1, 1–5, 5–12, and 12–18 years) and by platelet counts (<150×10³/µL, 150–400×10³/µL, >400×10³/µL). The 0–1 age group was further divided into two-month intervals to evaluate IPF values. Results: IPF showed an inverse relationship with platelet count and a positive correlation with MPV. A statistically significant association was observed between IPF values and physiological bone marrow suppression in infants aged 2–4 months. Conclusion: In children with normal platelet counts (150–400×10³/µL), physiological bone marrow suppression in infants aged 2–4 months was significantly reflected in IPF values.