Platelet-serotonin Dynamics: Elucidating Their Role in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension

Abstract

Background and Objectives: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a significant complication in pediatric patients with congenital heart disease (CHD). The role of platelets and serotonin in the pathogenesis of PAH has been increasingly recognized. This study aims to investigate the correlation between platelet count, serotonin levels, and PAH in children with CHD, and to understand the impact of surgical intervention on these parameters. Material and Methods: This study included 26 children with CHD and PAH (Group I) and an 11-child control group without PAH. Pre- and post-operative platelet counts, mean platelet volume (MPV), platelet distribution width (PDW), plateletcrit (PCT), and serotonin levels in plasma and platelets were measured. Group I underwent surgical correction for CHD, and the control group received no such intervention. Data were analyzed to determine the relationships between these hematological and biochemical markers and PAH. Results: Group I showed higher pre-operative platelet counts and serotonin levels compared to the control group. Post-surgical data indicated a significant decrease in platelet serotonin levels, aligning more closely with the control group. The study also observed lower plasma serotonin levels in the control group, suggesting altered serotonin metabolism in PAH patients. Conclusion: The study suggests a strong association between elevated platelet counts, increased serotonin levels, and the presence of PAH in children with CHD. Surgical correction of CHD appears to normalize these parameters, indicating a potential pathophysiological link. These findings emphasize the need for further research to understand the underlying mechanisms and to explore targeted therapeutic strategies for PAH in pediatric CHD patients.

Keywords

• Children
• congenital heart defects
• pulmonary arterial hypertension
• platelets
• serotonin