Rajesh Khanna Pulmamidi1, Ramya Madhuri Yendamuri2
BACKGROUND
Neonatal thrombocytopenia is one of the most common haematological
abnormalities in neonates occurring in 1 to 2 % of healthy term neonates. Various
risk factors like sepsis, prematurity, and birth asphyxia are known to be associated
with this condition. Maternal factors also predispose to this condition. Early
detection and appropriate management is of utmost importance to prevent
complications. The aim of the study is to evaluate the predisposing factors for
neonatal thrombocytopenia in a teaching hospital.
METHODS
This was a cross sectional observational study done in the Department of
Peadiatrics, MediCiti Institute of Medical Sciences, Medchal, Telangana, for a
duration of one year i.e., from January 2019 to December 2019. A total of 60
neonates with thrombocytopenia were studied for onset of thrombocytopenia,
severity based on platelet counts, aetiology and for contributing maternal factors.
RESULTS
Early onset thrombocytopenia (< 3 days of age) was seen in 46.6 % (28 / 60) and
late onset thrombocytopenia (3 - 28 days) in 53.3 % (32 / 60). The most common
cause for neonatal thrombocytopenia was neonatal sepsis 30 % (10 / 60), followed
by birth asphyxia. Common maternal predisposing factors were pregnancyinduced
hypertension and pregnancy-induced diabetes mellitus.
CONCLUSIONS
Neonatal thrombocytopenia is one of the most common clinical problems in
neonates. It can be of early or late onset type and has fetal and maternal
predisposing factors. Neonatal sepsis is one of the most common cause for
neonatal thrombocytopenia followed by birth asphyxia which is a preventable
cause. Early diagnosis and thorough evaluation are needed to prevent
complications.
