Coagulation profile in term Nigerian infants with birth asphyxia

Birth asphyxia may predispose to haemostatic failure.The objective of this study was to evaluate coagulation profile of babies with birth asphyxia and correlate these values with their clinical characteristics. Clinico-laboratory characteristics and coagulation profiles of 41 consecutive full term babies who had birth asphyxia were evaluated. Their coagulation profiles were compared to another 41 suitably-matched controls. The mean prothrombin time, activated partial thromboplastin time, thrombin time and clotting time were significantly higher among cases than the controls [18.4 ± 3.6 s; 54.4 ± 2.3 s; 12.4 ± 0.9 s and 11.2 ± 1.7 min, respectively compared to 11.5 ± 3.9 s; 50.2 ± 6.1 s; 9.1 ± 1.8 s and 6.9 ± 0.3min (p =0.001)]. The mean platelet count of the cases was however lower, that is, 130.5 ± 37.9 x10 3 /μl vs. 167.8 ± 22.3 x10 3 /μl respectively, p = 0.001. Among babies with asphyxia, coagulation parameters were prolonged in those with hypothermia or erythrocytosis (p < 0.001). Dyscoagulation and or haemostatic failure should be considered in all asphyxiated babies especially those with hypothermia and or erythrocytosis. This is important for appropriate anticipatory care such as transfusion of fresh frozen plasma to maintain their coagulation status.