Generally speaking, babies born prematurely are at a heightened risk of experiencing health problems; and, in some cases, they can be severe. A joint study between researchers in Sweden and the United States reveals that preemies with low levels of platelets in their blood have a much higher risk of developing a harsh variation of retinopathy of prematurity (ROP). The condition often leads to blindness.

"I believe this paves the way for completely new therapeutic possibilities and also for new research domains for both pathological and normal vascular development," says Ann Hellstrom, professor of pediatric ophthalmology at Sahlgrenska Academy, University of Gothenburg, Sweden, and a chief physician at Sahlgrenska University Hospital.

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“Premature babies with low levels of blood platelets have increased risk of blindness”