Platelet transfusions are routinely administered during neonatal ECMO, with an average of 1.3 platelet transfusions per day being administered while a patient is undergoing ECMO treatment. The cause of thrombocytopenia during ECMO largely involves platelet adherence to the oxygenator membrane. Platelet transfusions carry risks such as infections with bacteria or yeast, and development or worsening of pulmonary hypertension. It is likely that if fewer platelet transfusions can be administered during the ECMO run, the cumulative adverse effects of platelet transfusions would diminish and patient outcomes improve. In order to better understand platelet function during ECMO, the investigators plan to serially determine the circulating platelet mass, plasma platelet factor 4 concentration, megakaryocyte mass (estimated by plasma thrombopoietin concentration), and platelet function as quantified by PFA100. Any patient on ECMO will be eligible for this pilot study of 5 patients. By understanding changes in platelet function, we hope to design a future study that may modify the frequency or need for platelet transfusions during ECMO.
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