Abstract
OBJECTIVE: This study aims to investigate the relationship between platelet count (PLT) and retinopathy of prematurity (ROP), with the goal of identifying a straightforward screening method for the early detection of ROP. METHODS: A systematic search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, and ClinicalTrials.gov from January 2005 to 26 September 2023. Subsequently, a subgroup analysis was performed. RESULTS: This meta-analysis included ten studies involving 1762 neonates, with 747 cases of ROP identified. The pooled analysis indicated a significant decrease in mean platelet count among the ROP group compared to the non-ROP group (mean difference: -18.65, 95% confidence interval: -22.80 to -14.50, P < .00001). Subgroup analysis indicated that the heterogeneity in the results can be attributed to factors such as the location of the studies, gestational age (GA), and publication time. CONCLUSION: Decreased PLT counts may be associated with the occurrence of ROP. The PLT count should be standardized according to the detection location, detection time and GA.