Semin Thromb Hemost
DOI: 10.1055/a-2731-2399
Review Article

Platelets in Neonatal Sepsis: Beyond Clotting, From Silent Players to Immune Orchestrators

Authors

  • Rozeta Sokou

    1   Neonatal Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece
  • Alexandra Lianou

    2   Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, “Aghios Panteleimon” General Hospital of Nikea, Piraeus, Greece
  • Andreas G. Tsantes

    3   Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
  • Eleni Petrou

    3   Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
  • Stefanos Bonovas

    4   Department of Biomedical Sciences, Humanitas University, Milan, Italy
    5   IRCCS Humanitas Research Hospital, Milan, Italy
  • Georgios Nikolopoulos

    6   Medical School, University of Cyprus, Nicosia, Cyprus
  • Argirios E. Tsantes

    3   Laboratory of Haematology and Blood Bank Unit, “Attikon” Hospital, School of Medicine, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
  • Nicoletta Iacovidou

    1   Neonatal Department, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Aretaieio Hospital, Athens, Greece

Abstract

Traditionally, platelet function has been defined in the context of their role in hemostasis and thrombus formation. In recent years, however, the concept of platelet function has expanded, as emerging evidence supports that platelets—despite their small size—serve as versatile and potent modulators in a wide range of biological processes, including immune responses. In the neonatal period, the immune response is immature and particularly susceptible to dysregulation. The distinct properties of neonatal platelets, compared with those of adults, may influence both the sensitivity and the magnitude of the inflammatory response. The aim of this review is to summarize current knowledge regarding the involvement of platelets in neonatal sepsis, to highlight the immunological and molecular characteristics implicated in this process, and to identify research gaps that limit the use of platelets as diagnostic and therapeutic targets in this particularly vulnerable population.



Publication History

Received: 05 August 2025

Accepted: 21 October 2025

Accepted Manuscript online:
27 October 2025

Article published online:
10 November 2025

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