Coagulation abnormalities in low birth weight infants with peri-intraventricular hemorrhage

Neuropediatrics. 1988 Aug;19(3):154-7. doi: 10.1055/s-2008-1052420.

Abstract

Fifty-four appropriate for gestational age preterm infants (less than 35 weeks gestation) were followed prospectively from birth with coagulation and real-time ultrasound studies. Coagulation analyses included fibrinogen, prothrombin time, thrombin time and platelet count. The occurrence of peri-intraventricular hemorrhage (PIVH) was documented by portable 5 MHz Echo Scanner. Definite PIVH was present in 21 babies (38%). Coagulation studies showed especially lower values of fibrinogen levels in babies of less than 30 weeks gestation compared to a control group without PIVH (p less than 0.03). Furthermore, significant correlation was observed in these patients between platelet count and degree of PIVH. Infants with Grade 3 and 4 PIVH had lower platelet count than infants with less severe bleeding (Grade 1 and 2) (p less than 0.02). These data suggest that hemostatic abnormalities play a major role as co-factor in the incidence and severity of neonatal PIVH in very low birth weight infants of less than 30 weeks gestation.

MeSH terms

  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / complications
  • Blood Coagulation Disorders / congenital*
  • Blood Coagulation Tests
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / blood
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / complications
  • Cerebral Hemorrhage / congenital*
  • Cerebral Ventricles
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Humans
  • Infant, Low Birth Weight / blood*
  • Infant, Newborn
  • Infant, Premature / blood*
  • Prospective Studies